PITTSBURGH -- Even up here, several stories above Heinz Field behind sealed panels of glass, the sudden frightening sound -- crack! -- was heard. It resonated. And the quietude of fear that immediately silenced Sunday evening's raucousness in the crowd spread into the press box, too.Ravens running back Willis McGahee was down. So was the human missile, Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who launched himself off from Earth, shoulders and head into McGahee's helmet, knocking McGahee's head backwards, his torso and extremities quick to follow.
At that moment, there were but three-and-a-half minutes left in the grudge match disguised here as the AFC Championship. The Steelers had just sealed it with the long-haired one's -- Troy Polamalu -- 40-yard interception return for a 23-14 lead. That wound up the final score in what was the type of game so many of us expected from Ravens-Steelers III: smash-mouth, take-no-prisoners, defensive football.
If the Steelers, two weeks from now in the Super Bowl, can muster the intensity they unleashed on the Ravens from the opening kickoff -- when Steelers special teamer Carey Davis laid out Ravens special teamer Daren Stone -- the Cardinals, who held off the Eagles earlier Sunday at home in Arizona, won't have a chance. We all know that defense wins championships and that was what won out Sunday, decisively. It seemed almost unfair for a rookie quarterback in Baltimore's Joe Flacco to have to go up against Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin's group.
It has been a while since the NFL has witnessed a defense that appears to hit as hard and as often and as much as these Steelers. Ray Lewis' Ravens that won it all in the 2000 season jump to mind, of course. Ironically, they sealed their place in history by overwhelming the Giants in Tampa, the site of next month's Super Bowl.
"We had a goal this season to get to the championship," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said afterward. "People were comparing us to all the great defenses of the past, but it won't mean a hill of beans if we don't win it all."
They'll be forgotten more quickly than the undefeated record the Patriots brought to last season's ultimate game. They probably wouldn't be remembered for much of what they've accomplished this season as the NFL's No. 1 defense.
They stuff the run. They thwart the pass. They leave opponents battered and bruised.
"We try to make plays at the right time," Steelers' linebacker James Harrison said matter-of-factly.
They just don't want to leave them where McGahee was headed -- to the hospital.
"It was one of those bang-bang plays that was set up for a big hit," explained Clark, who knocked himself woozy making the hit on McGahee. "I just pray he's alright."
That is one of the most fascinating dynamics of pro football, the fine line players are always up against, especially defensive players: to do their job without destroying the livelihood of one of their brethren in another color. As a Pro Bowler from not-too-many years ago told me once, the hardest thing to do is seeing an opportunity to deliver a knockout blow but holding back because of how devastating it could be. It is a decision that must be made in split seconds.
AFC Championship Images
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (R) dives for a touchdown past Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed in the second quarter in the NFL's AFC Championship football game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree219166) [Photo via Newscom]
Matt Sullivan, Reuters
Baltimore Ravens' Ray Lewis pauses on the field as a teammate lies injured during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL's AFC Championship football game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree219372) [Photo via Newscom]
Matt Sullivan, Reuters
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with defensive end Brett Keisel #99, safety Tyrone Carter #23 and linebacker LaMarr Woodley #56 against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Troy Polamalu;Brett Keisel;Tyrone Carter;LaMarr Woodley
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Running back Willis McGahee #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs in a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Willis McGahee
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Wide receiver Hines Ward#86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball against Haruki Nakamura of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Haruki Nakamura;Hines Ward
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) fumbles as he is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers' Ryan Clark after a pass catch in the fourth quarter of the NFL AFC championship football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009. McGahee was injured on the play and left the game. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Julie Jacobson, AP
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is stopped on fourth down by the Pittsburgh Steelers defense during the first quarter in the NFL's AFC Championship football game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Pam Panchak (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree219164) [Photo via Newscom]
Pam Panchak, Reuters
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Nate Washington #85 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to make a reception against Frank Walker #41, Jim Leonhard #36 and Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nate Washington;Frank Walker;Jim Leonhard;Ed Reed
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
When football is like that, which it was on Sunday, it can't really get any better. It can only get worse. It can only dare to be more riveting for the wrong reasons, being crippling at best, or something worse.
Stone was helped to his feet and led back to his sideline, stumbling a little along the way. Ravens defensive back Corey Ivy just before the half suffered the same fate after being blindsided by a block from Steelers rookie receiver Limas Sweed.
"You respect these guys," Farrior explained. "It's easy for me to hold that respect and play these guys."
McGahee was strapped to a gurney, placed on a cart and wheeled out of the stadium for a trip to the hospital.
Someone gave him a pat on his chest before he disappeared from view.
Not long after, it was announced in the press box that he was able to move his arms and legs but had great pain in his neck.
So we sighed relief.
It reminded us all of why talk of bounties in this league, as Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs claimed earlier this season -- and then backed off upon a league investigation -- that his Ravens had put on Steelers' wide receiver Hines Ward and running back Rashard Mendenhall, should never be tolerated.
There is something about the brutality of this great game to marvel in. And it is enough.
Kevin B. Blackistone is a panelist on ESPN's Around the Horn, the Shirley Povich Chair in Sports Journalism at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, and a frequent sports opinionist on other outlets. A former award-winning sports columnist for The Dallas Morning News, he currently lives in Silver Spring, Md.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
What a game & a set up for a perfect superbowl in the high powered offense & the best defense in the league. I can't remeber the last time I witnessed so many good football games throughout the play-offs.
Matt/Cleveland OH
GO STEELERS!!!!!
I KNEW THEY WOULD DO IT.
Yeah another explanation from Ryan Clark and a "I hope he's alright" Maybe for the final big game, Clark can kill a guy as a grand finale.
Come on now, canine. That was a football hit in all its glory. Clark put his head out of the way and led with his shoulder (his bum shoulder nonetheless). It wasn't even close to an illegal hit. The Ravens got out-hit and that rarely happens.
i think the steelers defense are a joke they really try to hurt someone,people are trying to make a living just as they are.
steelers defense is the shit....they know whats up and thats what makes the steelers rock....the hard and smart playing they do....so face it ....they r #1
I HATE THE STEELERS!!! GO LIONS!!! HA HA!!!!
great read KB
The hit may have been legal, but Clark zeroed in on McGahee's head, and accomplished what he set out to do, injure the player. I can't imagine the Ravens not retaliating next season when the mmet twice more. Wouldn't wanna be big Ben or Hiney Ward when Ray Lewis draws a bead on them. Nice sportsmanship Clark, what comes around, goes around.
I love hearing people claim the the Steelers D is dirty. Did the Steelers D place a bounty on the head of any player??? The ansewer is no. Did the Steelers D ever tell an injured player on the other team to strap up their goin and get their beating??? again the answer is no. Both of these have however been done by the Ravens D and the head instigator in charge Ray Lewis is just as much to blame for the intensity the led up to one of the scarriest hits I have seen in a long time as anyone out there. There were alot of hard hits last night in that game by both teams, but that is what football is, a hard hitting brutal game that can end your career in a heartbeat if you don't have your head on a swivel. And frankly that is what puts butts in the seats and has people cheering when they see that kind of hit. And if nothing else you need to give credit to the Steelers fans for being as great as they are and treating this event as serious as it was , the sound of that crowd when they saw a player was on the ground not moving was that of silence, and it didn't matter what color the injured players jersey was unlike incidents with the Eagles, Giants , and Raiders. The fans showed legitimate concern, and wished him well on his way out on the cart. That is what this game is about and that is how fans should act.
The hit may have been legal, but the intention was evil. He aimed for the players head, the most critical and vulnerable are on the body, and unloaded with full force on that spot. You can't even slap the QB on the helmet, that's how aware the NFL is about head injuries, and this guy Clark is allowed to maybe cripple a player. Not right. I can't imagine the Ravens not retaliating next year when the teans meet twice again. Ben and Hiney Ward better watch themselves when Ray is nearby.
you baltimoron ravens fan.ravens put out some hard hits to but i guess thats alright.give the steelers this one.they kicked your ass 3 times they are the better team stop whinning you suck see you next year.
Ringram813 & Caninescreed
Didn't the players from the 30's 40's & 50's do this every week for FIFTY BUCKS. The old timers set the standard for this game. You go over the middle you risk that kind of hit. It's f**KING FOOTBALL !!!!! Don't try to change a game that they gave us from the beginning because you want your kid to wear his pampers while he plays soccer. I am tired of A**HOLES who have never played the game making these stupid remarks.
Miyagi , the Ravens cant retaliate , they try every play against us to take someone out... i loved seeing Bart Scotts mouth get shut by Ward , then little Ryan clark tko Mcgahee..I just wish Lewis or Suggs would run the ball a time or two against us..they would get carted off too..probably by our kicker , haha..what you talkin bout , now , Willis? i really hope he is ok , but i bet he doesnt try to go over the middle on us again..
Football is a contact sport, every player knows the risks. Anyone that knows football and watches football enough can tell a good hit from a bad one. Clark threw his body to try and stop McGahee from advancing the ball and while in the air at the last seconds probably said to his own self "aw s$#t this is going to hurt!
You morons that comment that it was an intentional hit are weenies that like to talk sports but only play minature golf. Oh Yeah, a player is going to launch himself as a locked on guided missle risking his own neck and head injury or paralization. (get real)
Ok, I have read all the Rants; Serious & Retarded. The best team Won, some bad calls made, cheap shots, hot heads, and hot dogs. Anyone that thinks the collision was anything more than 2 Pros going all or nothing is living in Fantasy land. Did you see both teams come together, did you see Ray Lewis and many others praying, did you see Cardinals fans cheering in encouragement for the fallen Steeler? Too many
"Bloggers" spoiling for an arguement need to GET A LIFE! Andy Rooney is the only whiner we need; and he actually uses his head to do it. Pray, Volunteer, and Pitch in to make things better!
Steeler fans - if the shoe was on the other foot you would be upset too! So get over your high and mighty 'hit hard' football crap. I'm not a fan of either team, and I thought it was intentional. I used to defend the 'Steelers play dirty' reputation but after yesterday I will agree instead of defend. Go Arizona!!!
Whatever happened to helmet to helmet penalties?
Helmet-to-helmet hits probably comprise one of every three hits. but are not called. The hit between Clark and McGahee last night was NOT intended to be that. For crying out loud, did anyone of you idiots watch the replays, which clearly showed Clark leading with his right shoulder and body. It also showed McGahee lowering his head just before collision, hitting Clark squarely on the right side of HIS helmet. Unfortunately for McGahee, however, he hit him with the front of his own helmet. We all hope he is alright, of course; but it was he who lead with his head, not Clark. Watch it again in slow motion, then shut up!
Who is the knucklehead that decided that henceforth all games will be called "MEETINGS"?
Stupid!!