The Steelers were more aggressive in coverage and they exploited a secondary that, it turns out, has earned its No. 32 NFL ranking in pass defense.

Their 25-17 win against the New England gave them the top seed in the AFC playoffs — if the postseason started in November. But in finally solving Tom Brady, their Rubik's Cube of quarterbacks, the Steelers didn't do anything that coach Mike Tomlin would call "mystical."

Execution and solid fundamentals provided the foundation for the Steelers' most impressive win of the season Sunday. Another element loomed large, too.

"Just fighting," defensive end Brett Keisel said. "Fighting for 60 minutes."...............

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