In a turnover filled game the Steelers fell to 0-3, marking the worst start since 2000. Five turnovers, two of them returned for touchdowns, ended the Steelers night and sent them to a 40-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Steelers put together a spirited second half rally but were held off.
The numbers don’t tell the story as Ben played one of his worst games as a Steeler. Roethlisberger topped 400 yards passing for the fourth time in his career. He completed 26 of 41 for 406 yards, with two awesome touchdowns to Antonio Brown but he turned the ball over four times, three of which turned into 21 points. The offensive line situation has become bleak and Ben is showing the side effects. He was constantly harassed and had to pick himself up off the floor on nearly every pass play. It’s time to look at Kelvin Beachum at the Left Tackle spot.
The running game is horrendous and desperately needs Le’Veon Bell to step up next week. Felix Jones showed flashes in his first two weeks but a costly fumble crushed the Steelers momentum. Jonathon Dwyer did okay and had a nice 25 yard run but the Steelers are failing to move the ball consistently.
The Defense had a better performance than the numbers will indicate. They kept the Steelers in the game but eventually broke late in the night. The pass rush was solid. Cutler was forced to dump off all night, but he did a masterful job getting the ball out in under three seconds. Ike Taylor again played a great game hanging tough with Brandon Marshall. He was only beaten once for a big play and it was a perfect catch and a perfect throw. The often maligned Willie Gay had a terrific game! Vince Williams had a brain fart on a 55 yard run but looked very good the rest of the night. LaMarr Woodley had a huge game despite his paltry numbers and Jarvis Jones showed signs of greatness. He needs to play more under control but he looked very good.
In the end the Steelers have dug themselves a huge hole!
I have been on a whirlwind of travel and leave tonight for London!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown. This was an easy one! He had a huge night and looked like the impact player everyone was counting on, he was one of the lone bright spots and he made a nifty one handed catch for a touchdown. Also Considered: Ike Taylor who had a good night.
Where I watched the game: ALL over the place in Saratoga, I had to escape a business function and missed part of the opening of the game. I stopped in the Seven Horse Pub for a quick one and to watch the rest of the first quarter (Had a 2 dollar Pabst), back to my hotel room and watched the end of the second half talking to KGB on the phone, went to the SCOPE suite to start the second half at the Saratoga Hilton and had a few Sam Adams Octoberfests with my work crew and finished back in my room with a Miller lite.
My Stat of the week: Going to stay positive here, 9 for 196 which was Antonio Browns catches and yardage, highlighted by a 45 yarder and a great 31 yard one handed catch. HUGE NIGHT!
My thoughts on Next Week: The Vikings are the “home team” but I have a feeling that London, will be LOADED with Steelers fans! This is the week the Steelers bounce back!