What NFL team has the personality that allows them to be better as an underdog, rather than a heavy favorite?

There is only one correct answer.  The Pittsburgh Steelers.

People may be very quick to criticize Peyton Manning and the Colts for "choking" yesterday against the Steelers.  However, the simple fact is that the Pittsburgh Steelers may have been the only playoff team capable of stopping Indianapolis.

Manning and Colts were clearly a bit rusty at the start of Sunday's game.  The Colts had not played in a meaningful game for over 5 weeks.  Against a motivated and aggressive Steelers team, this was clearly a recipe for disaster.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense sacked Peyton Manning 5 times, and held Edgerrin James to 56 yards rushing.  Keep in mind that the Colts have the best offense in the NFL, and perhaps the best offensive line in the league.  This did not look like the best offense yesterday, but give credit to the powerful Steelers' defense.

A team of destiny

So why am I so quick to label the Steelers as a "team of destiny"?  Let's look at a few reasons:

Jerome Bettis:  This powerful running back accomplished a lot before arriving in Pittsburgh, but Bettis will always be remembered as a Steeler.  No player exemplifies the hard-working attitude of Pittsburgh citizens and fans better than Jerome Bettis.  When he fumbled late in the 4th quarter, it seemed that he may be forever remembered as the goat in what could have been the final play of his career.  Instead, Bettis would have to rely on his teammates for vindication.  Perhaps it was fitting that this game was not dominated by one player, which captures the team attitude of Pittsburgh.

The Underdog factor:  The Colts, Tony Dungy, and Peyton Manning will undoubtedly draw an incredible amount of unfair criticism for yesterday's playoff loss.  This game may be the biggest upset of all-time with the #6 seed Steelers defeating the best team in the NFL.  Go back to week 14 when the Colts were 13-0.  Did anyone really believe that the Colts would not be in the Super Bowl?  Last year, the Steelers went into the post-season with a 15-1 record and did not reach the Super Bowl.  This may be the only team more dangerous as an underdog.

The Steelers were the only team capable of stopping the Colts:  I expect several of you to disagree with this statement.  Go ahead.  You'll be wrong.  No team is as aggressive on defense as the Steelers.  No team has more heart and character that the Steelers.  No team achieves synergy better than the Steelers.  No coach would take the risks which are necessary to beat this year's Colts better than Bill Cowher.

The odds were stacked against them:  The Steelers simply outperformed the Colts yesterday, but Indy was still in the game until the last minute of the 4th quarter.  Why?  2 blatant pass interference penalties against Randle El that were not called.  An inexcusable non-call when 4 Colt defenders crossed the line of scrimmage on 4th and inches.  An even more inexcusable reversal of Polamalu's 4th quarter interception.  An improbable Jerome Bettis goal-line fumble.  An even more improbable Ben Rothelisberger shoe-string tackle.  A perfect pass that only Peyton Manning could make to Reggie Wayne for a crucial 2 point conversion.  An unexpected field goal miss by the NFL's most accurate kicker.  Need I say more?

I am truly thankful to witness the Steelers' stunning performance in defeating the Colts.  I can't remember watching any sporting event that had the complete drama of yesterday's game.  Congratulations to Bill Cowher and the Steelers.  And thanks for reminding us all why the NFL is the greatest game in the world.