The last time Homer felt compelled to write something half an hour before kickoff was just prior to the opening game of the season. At that time, he wrote that he had a strong feeling that the Steelers simply weren't ready. That they hadn't controlled the line of scrimmage in any of their pre-season games and the offensive line hadn't impressed at all. He was worried to death. Sadly, he was right.

Now, Homer is compelled to write that the Steelers are as ready as they will ever be, and their coaching staff has focused them completely on the task ahead. James Harrison, as great as he is, became a distraction, and Coach told him to zip it and get with the program.

No one should underestimate the task at hand...considering the loss of Pouncey, Harrison, and Woodley and Hood and Roethlsberger at less than 100%. But no one should underestimate how the team has stuck together through a most difficult season, and how the younger players have stepped up. Tonight, they will step up once again.

I don't know if it will be Cam Heyward, or Curtis Brown or Cortez Allen or Mortty Ivy or Sly Sylvester, but one of the young guys on the D will make a big play. And the OL will hold together and be surprisingly effective in the running game.

Tonight's game will say a lot about team cohesiveness and the quality of coaching and game planning.

They will be ready. They will play their hearts out.

Fear not. Are you ready for some football? Homer is.