Jaguars 31, Steelers 29: A Furious Comeback Only Makes It Hurt Worse

For one half, Ben Roethlisberger was the shaky, interception prone quarterback of the 2004 playoffs. For three and a half quarters, David Garrard didn't look any better.

But in the fourth quarter, the NFL's No. 2 and No. 3 rated quarterbacks reminded us of why they are two of the best young quarterbacks in the game. Roethlisberger led the Steelers on a furious 18-point fourth quarter comeback that was Roethlisberger at his best. It was almost enough to give the Steelers one of the greatest comebacks in playoff history.

But that was before David Garrard came through with one of the biggest plays in Jaguars history. Facing fourth and two with 1:56 to go, it was Garrard's legs that gave the Jaguars their first playoff win this decade. Garrard ran through a huge hold created by left tackle Khalif Barnes for 32 yards. Three clock-milking runs later and Josh Scobee was ruining Steelers fans Saturdays all around the country.

It's not like Jack Del Rio's decision to go with Garrard over Byron Leftwich hasn't already been vindicated a thousand times, but watching Garrard run for the first down as part of a five carry, 58-yard night is a big reminder of another difference between the two quarterbacks. Leftwich's 5.0-flat 40 would have been lucky to get the two yards, much less 32.

As one of those Steelers fans, I have to say that as great as the comeback was, it ended up just making the resulting loss way more painful to take. There's a lot to respect about this Jaguars team. They have a great running game, a quarterback who rarely makes mistakes (at least until tonight), and a physical defense. They're the kind of team that would look great wearing a logo on only one side of their helmet. But to see the Steelers twice come from way behind against the Jaguars only to lose twice will last as one of the painful memories of the upcoming offseason.

The Jaguars will not hit the road to either Indianapolis (if Tennessee wins tomorrow) or New England (if San Diego wins). With John Henderson (hamstring) now limping to join Mike Peterson and Marcus Stroud among the Jaguars walking wounded, it will be very hard for the Jags to pull off an upset next week. But it's hard to bet too much against Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, David Garrard and that Jags offensive line.

It's a great win for the Jags, and also one of those losses it will be hard to forget as a Steelers fan.