[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw I think people really underestimate how important the Bus was to the Steelers.

Bettis made Roethlisberger a better QB.

Look at last year's rushing stats compared to the first half of this year. Last year Pittsburgh rushed the ball a total of 549 times for 2,223 yards (good for 3rd in the AFC) with 21 TDs. They averaged 138.9 yards per game and 4 yards per carry.

Through 7 games this year they have 204 attempts for 773 yards (good for 9th in the AFC this year, behind Oakland) and 6 TDs. They are averaging 110.4 yards per game and 3.8 per carry.

They were 11-5 last year and won the Wild Card and 2-5 so far this year.

If their rushing stats continue this way, they won't come close to what they did last year... thus making losing "The Bus" all that more important.