3-0... Feels so good, looks even better

37-16... and to tell the truth, not even that close.

Yes, the Niners had a few sustained drives, but the Steelers were in complete bend not break mode. Led by the combination of the powerful legs of Fast Willie, the sure hands of Heath Miller and the (perhaps too) careful guidance of Big Ben, the O did a great job playing ball control, efficient offense to rule the day. Throw in some excellent return work from Allen Rossum and a game-busting Defensive TD, and you spell success.

Maybe, just maybe, the team will start getting some national recognition? Oh wait, Green Bay is 3-0 too? OK, let them continue to spread the spotlight on the non-story of the year (Brett Favre) and the overblown media-made controversy that is Donovan McNabb in Philly... The Steelers will earn their due come the important Division games about a month away. And if not then, they will surely get plenty of exposure come playoffs, because this team is going there.

Ben has certainly exorcized the demons of last year's 8-8 disappointment. He is showing true leadership on the field, and while you can see he still thinks he can make a big play on every play, he is doing a great job of constraining that belief and keeping his cool.

The O-line played very well, especially in the running game... there were a few breakdowns in pass protection, but no glaring examples come to mind. The Niners show excellent team speed, and I think they will upset a few NFC teams along the way (if not Steeler divisional opponents?).

Perhaps the biggest stars of the game for the Steelers - well, McFadden's INT and 50-yard TD return was certainly a thing of beauty... but to me, it was the line domination of the unsung D-Line. Casey Hampton, Hoke, Smith, Eason... I remember seeing each of them busting up plays before they had a chance to launch.

This week brings a reunion with the Steelers' former O braintrust (Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and his Assistant Head Coach Russ Grimm). I was pulling for either or both to take over the reins when Cowher decided to step down. I think the team might have responded to either or both in the same manner they are taking the lead of Coach Tomlin.

But you know what? I think the Rooney's made the best decision going with Tomlin (the unkown entity). And I think this week's match-up in the desert heat will show how cool Tomlin will remain as he leads this team into a new era of excellence.