1)If the Steelers brain trust could change one thing this season I wonder if it might not be having not used DeAngelo Williams as the goal line back week one against the Patriots? You can see he has a nose for the goal line. A perfect example was one of his td runs against the Bengals this week. If he runs to the hole the play was called for he loses a yard. Instead he uses his vision and elusiveness and takes a quick stutter step, sees where a hole is, and goes in untouched.

2) If you're one of the many Steeler fans who love to point out every time they sign someone to an extension and it doesn't work out. You probably found yourself on the side of saying it was complete lunacy to sign Marcus Gilbert to the contract extension they gave him before the start of the 14 season. We were wrong. Gilbert has developed into one of the best right tackles in the league. Well worth the money they gave him. The Mike Mitchell signing wasn't too bad either as it turns out.

3) Mike Tomlin might not be the best game day coach in the game, but by and large the players love him and while his words might ring hollow to you, the more I see the more I understand his players like him, trust him, respect him, and listen to him. Though far from flawed he's one of the games better coaches. Were the Steelers fool enough to fire him ( which has 0 chance of happening) every single team with an opening would be ringing his agents phone off the hook within 5 minutes. I would even wager a couple teams who planned on keeping their coach might make inquiries and change course if they thought they had a real chance to reel Tomlin in.

4) Alejandro Villenueva might be the best long shot story with the Steelers since Rocky Bleir. Seriously, the guy played at Army. Strike one. The military academy's rarely attract pro level talent. And if you were to wager one would produce a pro you would guess a Midshipman from Annapolis or a Falcon from the Air Force Academy would be more likely. Then of course you got the change of position thing, serving with honor and being an actual hero who rescued fellow Rangers while avoiding live fire!

5) The most improved player on the team by the standard of how they were playing early in the season to how they're playing now is Cody Wallace. Early in the season he was barely serviceable. By mid season he had progressed to decent for the most part. Of late he's playing very good. Not great, but very good. Very much as asset. Though still an occasional ass as in when he piles on someone after the whistle and draws a flag.

6) DeAngelo Williams should be in the discussion for Comeback player of the year. Best free agent signing by the Steelers since James Farrior? I liked the signing when they inked him. But I never thought he would have the impact that he's had. Even if you had told me he would get extensive playing time due to Bell being injured I would have never have guessed he could still perform at the level he has. And even better still he's proved to be solid catching the ball out of the backfield and an even better blocker.

7) Chris Boswell will be runaway Steelers rookie of the year. What a find! Can't see Suisham being brought back next year, except as possible trade bait? Boz is averaging 10 points a game. Projected over a complete season that would break the Steelers all time single season points record!

8) The Steelers second best rookie in my opinion is Jesse James.Bud Dupree has been underwhelming when you factor in the playing time he's received. Though I do think he'll be a good player next year.