The Steelers made several mistakes that cost them the game and possibly the playoffs in this 2012 season. Ben Roethelisberger and Antonio Brown both made critical errors in the fourth quarter and overtime, culminating in a 27-24 loss against the Dallas Cowboys, their fourth loss in the past five games that dropped the Steelers to 7-7.
It was an entertaining game, with both teams slugging it out. Both the Cowboys and the Steelers have key injuries but both teams put together gallant efforts. The Steelers had the chance to put the Cowboys away after overcoming deficits in the second and fourth quarters, but Antonio Brown had a critical fumble and the Cowboys recovered to tie the game up. Brown had a terrible game and made several mistakes at the end, including waving off a punt that cost the Steelers twenty yards and he went out of bounds to give the Cowboys extra time on the last drive.
Big Ben threw a back breaking pick in OT to clinch the game for Dallas. It ruined what was an awe inspiring performance; he completed 13 of his final 17 passes for 230 yards and finished with 339 yards and two touchdowns.
The defense was banged up and it showed. Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen were missed as Tony Romo used their absences to pick on a game but over matched Josh Victorian. Romo was 10 of 10 in the third quarter, completing all seven passes for 89 yards on the drive that ended with a 24-yard touchdown to Dez Bryant.
The front seven struggled to put pressure and protect the secondary. The bright spot was Silverback continues his second half renaissance. He caused a huge turnover that kept the Steelers from getting buried early and crushed Tony Romo on third and one to stop a Cowboys drive.
It was a heartbreaking loss and one the Steelers let get away. The playoffs start next week for the Steelers as whoever wins most likely will get into the playoffs v. the Bengals.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Silverback, James Harrison made the two biggest plays on defense. It’s good to see him back in this thing! Also considered: Dave DeCastro who played his first game and played well!
Where I watched the game: With my daughter Little Miss Tailgate and KGB. The beer was Miller Lite and we had a great Spaghetti dinner while watching the game.
My Stat of the week: Is 17 rushes for 69 yards, where was the running game in the second half? Why are the Steelers not running the ball with any kind of consistency.
My thoughts on Next Week: This is now DO OR DIE and a win will save the season a loss will define this season as a total failure and one of the worst in the last ten years! Now is the time, no more chances, no more excuses!