We're still guaranteed to the playoffs. Ray Lewis is back. Outside of tonight, our defense has been dominant all season. This will be the fourth straight year we've been to the playoffs. Each time Joe's been at the helm. Heck, with a hobbled Big Ben and Pouncey, a suspended Harrison, and a defense-heavy team opposing them in an away game, the Steelers could easily lose tomorrow, in 24 hours, we could well be the #2 seed instead of #5 again. Even if we don't, we had to go through all three rounds last time we got to the Big Game. We have one of the best linebackers and best safeties in the history of the game, one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, a squad of hot receivers, including one of this season's fastest, a gigantic arm on Flacco, and one of the best runningbacks in the game.

So why is it that Joe Flacco's inconsistency and paltry performance tonight are taking such an emotional toll on me? Why is it that despite being a fan of a good team that has been a consistent playoff threat with a top-three defense, I can't stop worrying about the gigantic achilles heel of our offense? Why do I feel like this when I'm supposed to be excited that we're guaranteed to the playoffs again?