ProSam,
As a big BoSox fan myself, I don't want to argue with you.
But you're saying you can't blame the Patriots for looking weak against the Steelers due to injuries. Yet you say the Steelers are suspect for looking weak while they have injuries.
What's the difference here? When the Patriots came down win an injury, they couldn't get the job done. The Steelers did.
In a rematch, I still give the edge to the Patriots. The Patriots have the best team they've ever assembled, and they are the team to beat in my opinion. I won't question how good this team is (despite the fact I think they were more lucky than good in their past two Super Bowl seasons).
But don't discount the Steelers. Big Ben isn't Favre, but Brady isn't Montana despite what anyone says. All I know is that Big Ben looks better than Brady did at first. A part of the reason why Ben isn't putting up big numbers is the fact that they are a running team first. The Patriots have been a passing team for years, yet Brady hasn't put up numbers either.
The Steelers can chew up the clock and run successfully, even with their starter out. The Steelers have better depth. If the Patriots are healthy, I give them the edge in the playoffs. If not, then watch out.