Maddux puts explanation point on his season by beating the Browns

Tommy Maddux moved into the starting lineup this season and started 11 of 15 games. He completed 324 of 550 pass attempts for 2,836 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, and is the main reason the Steelers have made it to the playoffs.

The last time he started a game in the NFL was in 1992 for the Denver Broncos. Maddux spent two years with the Broncos (1992-93) and one year each with the Los Angeles Rams (1994) and New York Giants (1995) before dropping off the NFL radar screen.

The former first-round pick was considered a flop and he eventually became an insurance salesman. He then resurrected his career with a strong performance in the XFL for the Los Angeles Extreme, and he was even named the league's MVP.

The XFL experience did not last long, as the league folded after just one year. However, Maddux received some attention from the NFL and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001.

Just happy to be in the NFL again, Maddux replaced the inconsistent Kordell Stewart as the starting quarterback in the third game of this season. He went 7-3-1 as the starter and quickly built a rapport with wide receivers Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress.

Maddox did receive a scare during the season when he was hit by Tennessee Titans' Keith Bullock on Nov. 17. He was knocked unconscious and did not have any movement in his limbs for more than 30 minutes.

The fear of the injury was quickly dismissed when Maddux returned to the lineup Dec. 8 against the Houston Texans, which actually turned out to be one of his, and the Steelers, worst games of the season.

Maddux regrouped and led the Steelers to wins in the last three games to clinch the AFC North Division title. For his inspired play and contribution to the Steelers' success this year, Maddux was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year by The Associated Press.

With all that, you would wonder how anyone could top such a season. On Sunday, the Steelers faced the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field in the AFC Wild Card game.

Maddux threw for 116 yards and two interceptions as the Steelers went into the lockeroom down 17-7 at the half. He then tossed three touchdown passes in the final 19 minutes to lead the Steelers to an incredible 36-33 win. The Steelers had been down 17 points in the second half.

It was the biggest comeback under head coach Bill Cowher, the biggest playoff comeback in franchise history, and the sixth biggest playoff comeback in NFL history. Maddux completed 26 of 43 passes for a Steelers' playoff postseason record of 367 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Browns' inexperienced quarterback Kelly Holcomb completed 26 of 43 passes for 429 yards, including three touchdowns, in the losing effort.

Will this elevate Maddux to star status? Most certainly not, but for someone that was selling insurance just a short time ago it can't be a bad thing. The SteelersÂ' fans have seemed to embrace Maddux and he just might lead them to the promised land.

The Steelers will now face the Titans next Sunday in Nashville for the divisional round of the playoffs.

Any questions or comments? E-mail me at brianpehl@hotmail.com.