Congratulations to the Steelers.
They played very well. Since the Patriots have played virtually all the AFC contenders this year except the Ravens, the Steelers appear to be the class of the AFC.
This may be their year, for a fundamentally very sound team. I think the problems with their running game may have actually helped them by forcing them to be a more balanced team, and able to pass when necessary. That is something that they frequently could NOT do when they ran into adversity in the Playoffs.
At the same time they are not without flaws. That will mean their reign is short lived. Both of their lines are getting creaky. You can't win for very many seasons with that situation. :agree:
Meanwhile the Pats are in pretty good shape fundamentally. Their lines are solid or more than solid. The foundations have been laid to rebuild the Defense, but we all know more necessary but only ancillary talent additions are needed. A few more secondary and LB pieces, and the job wil be done for another half decade. The Offense needs only a few reserve additions to excel for several more years, too.