Fans More Optimistic After Steelers' Victory Over Seahawks
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Last weekend's blowout in Baltimore wasn't about to deter the loyal Steelers Nation from coming out to support their team during the home opener.
The black-and-gold faithful were, of course, out in full force on the North Shore, tailgating before the game; and those not lucky enough to have tickets inside Heinz Field, gathered in restaurants, bars and at parties to cheer on the Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks.
Robert Russell and his son, Robert Jr., traveled all the way from Hawaii to see their first-ever Steelers game at Heinz Field.
He wasn't worried about the Steelers suffering another embarrassing loss like last week's 35-7 drubbing at the hands of the rival Baltimore Ravens.
"They're going to be on top of things, guarantee. I have no questions at all the Steelers are going to take over today and welcome Tarvaris Jackson to Heinz Field," said Russell.
Tailgaters were out in full force Sunday morning conducting their usual pre-game festivities. Like the team, they were also ready to put the Baltimore loss in the past.
"I tell you what, I'm ready," said fan Greg Linsalata. "They're going to walk all over the 'Hawks, I think."
"They're ready to come out and play; they're going to hurt this team, I would assume," said Bob Gruse, another Steelers fan.
Meanwhile, fans who showed up to watch the game at Buffalo Blue Restaurant in Shadyside saw the Steelers take control early. Ben Roethlisberger passed for nearly 300 yards, and the defense kept the Seahawks out of the end zone for a 24-0 victory.
"When you're facing somebody like Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback we expect to see a blowout with the kind of defense the Steelers have. So, it's good to see this week," Chris Vanbell, another fan said. "They look like the Steelers of old, the Steelers of last year that can dominate on defense."
So the question is: Did the Steelers redeem themselves with an easy win over the struggling Seahawks?
"I think so; I think we were off to a bad start, but we're off on the right track now," added Steelers fan Brian Gruber.
The Steelers faithful headed home this Sunday feeling a whole lot better than they did this time last week. Now, as the team begins preparations for Indianapolis next week, fans say it's time to put reports to rest of the Steelers being too old, slow and tired.
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