PITTSBURGH - Sorting through the last weekend of the NFL regular season:
n The Pittsburgh Steelers finish 12-4 and play at Denver this Sunday.
Even with a lengthy injury list, the Steelers should have enough to get past the Broncos.
Tim Tebow hasn't been playing well, and the Steelers' defense should be able to give him fits, even though safety Ryan Clark won't play.
But beyond this game, it's hard to be optimistic about their chances of getting back to the Super Bowl.
Ben Roethlisberger is clearly struggling with his ankle injury, and he could have used the extra week off that didn't develop.
The running game is weaker with Rashard Mendenhall done for the season.
The defense still can't generate turnovers.
The offensive line is scary. A quarterback operating on one leg is still forced to scramble too much.
One positive sign from the season finale in Cleveland: Troy Polamalu had one of those games where he made plays all over the field. There haven't been enough of those this season.
n Santonio Holmes had a meltdown to end the season with the New York Jets.
The Steelers could send the Jets a "told you so" on this one.
Holmes is a talented player, but he's also a soap opera.
The Steelers gave him away because they were tired of dealing with issues not related to his ability as a receiver.
Holmes apparently argued with Jets teammates in the huddle, then moped when he didn't get his way.
All this came after coach Rex Ryan named him one of the team's captains.
After six years in the NFL, Holmes still doesn't know how to be a professional.
n The New England Patriots had a big comeback.
Pity the poor guy who took Buffalo plus the points, and thought his new year was off to a great start when the Bills took a 21-0 lead on the Patriots.
Final score: New England 49, Buffalo 21.
Little wonder that the Bills immediately fired their defensive coordinator and replaced him with former Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt.
Mehno can be reached at johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com.
