2002 Pittsburgh Steelers Season

Season Summary: The year began with back-to-back humiliating defeats. Opponents spread the Steelers out and threw at will, exposing a defense that had carried the team for years. It never stopped being a problem, forcing them into shootouts all season.

The tide turned when Tommy Maddox replaced Kordell Stewart in Week 4. Maddox's quick-strike passing gave the Steelers an identity, with Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress turning into a dangerous duo. Ward hauled in 112 catches, Maddox won Comeback Player of the Year, and Pittsburgh won the North.

The high point was the Wild Card vs Cleveland. Down 24-7, the Steelers looked finished. Mike Logan's diving INT kept them alive, and Maddox went to work, piling up yards and TDs in a frantic 22-point 4th quarter. When Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala crossed the goal line in the final minute to complete the stunning 36-33 comeback, the stadium exploded. I was there... it was the loudest thing I've ever heard. Sadly, the run ended the following week in Tennessee on a terrible running-into-the-kicker call in overtime..