The Steelers absolutely gutted out a huge win over their arch rival Baltimore Ravens. It was one of the gutsiest performances all around for the Steelers, from Ben getting his nose busted on the first series but never missing a play from scrimmage, to Sean Suisham being forced into punting duties and doing a good job, to Heath Miller nearly being decapitated, but walking off, on his own accord and Isaac Redman despite two failed conversions came up big when it mattered most. The Steelers gutted out the win.
Despite not exactly winning handily as I may have predicted, I always felt like they had the game under control if they could get their act together. They were in Baltimore territory several times and kept coming up short. The Steelers couldn’t stop making mistakes and it nearly cost them. The Wide Receivers, who are developing to be one of the best units on the team, kept dropping key passes, including Hines Ward. The Defensive backs especially Bryan McFadden looked lost in coverage and let Anquan Boldin out of his site on the Ravens only TD and didn’t cover the right receiver on a huge 3rd down conversion. Despite these mistakes the Steelers were able to keep it close so when they straightened out they could get back in the game. They did!
The Ravens never were able to pull away and that’s where Ben Roethlisberger is at his best and most dangerous! Whenever the best Quarterback debate comes up, Ben gets dismissed. Tell me one other QB in the whole league who plays with a broken foot and a broken nose! That performance while mediocre on paper, was the stuff of legend. His physical strength and fortitude to get through that game is what he and the Steelers are all about. Watching him stiff arm the preening Terrell Suggs and saving the sack and/or fumble was just plain tough!
This team needed a defining moment. Troy Polamalu provided that moment with an electric forced fumble that was recovered by LaMarr Woodley. When Joe Flacco was about to put the Steelers on ice not only for the game but for the division title, he had his pocket picked by the plundering Polamalu. (John Facenda RIP)
It was a game changer and provided the stage to be set for one of the best moments in this rivalry.( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS6aVFSQVc0) Isaac Redman clearly earned his nickname “Red Zone” as he plowed through two tackles and crashed the End Zone for the game winning score.
The Offensive line lost another key starter, when Flozell Adams went down, but played a respectable second half as they were able to protect Big Ben and give him the time he needed. Pouncey more than held his own against Haloti Ngata.
As with any Baltimore v. Pittsburgh game the hits were vicious and popping. The body count rose as several players were hurt at one point or another. The Defense led by James Harrison who despite having a quiet night statistically was a disruptive force throughout the game, he was all over the Ravens backfield. James Farrior and Brett Keisel played a disciplined tough game!
With the Ravens down by three they got the ball back with 2 minutes 51 seconds left in the game. They began to drive but fell short. As Flacco’s fourth down pass harmlessly hit the turf with 33 seconds left the Steelers in a span of under five game-time minutes turned their fortunes 180 degrees.
The victory now puts the Steelers in the driver’s seat for the division.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Actually Captain Tailgate picked this and is giving it to three people! Hey we are Beer We Go we can give out as many as we want! First is Isaac Redman for knocking over the Ravens Defenders like Bowling pins, the second Sean Suisham who three weeks ago was pumping gas and now just did double duty this last Sunday as the punter and kicker, lastly Troy Polamalu who comes through when you need it most!
Where I watched the game: Quietly, again at KGB’s. Was to amped up to go out in public last night!
My thoughts on Next Week: A division game is always dangerous but I will be in attendance so I am saying HUGE WIN!