The Steelers finished an awful first half with a record setting loss to the New England Patriots. In the entire history 80+ years of the franchise the Steelers have never been beaten so badly like the whipping they took from Tom Brady and the New England Patriots Sunday at Gillette Stadium, 55-31. That is the most points scored against them and the most yards — 610 — they allowed in team history. It was an absolute disaster.
Tom Brady was off to the worst start of his career, which makes this performance even scarier. Brady put up 432 yards and threw for four touchdown passes. The Patriots banged in three more rushing touchdowns, making it 12 on the season or as many as the Steelers allowed in the 2010 and 2011 seasons combined. The Defense was nonexistent the entire day and didn’t make ANY plays. The front seven had another train wreck performance and when it was over they were gashed for nearly 200 yards. The secondary looked lost and confused as Troy Polamalu was caught out of position several times and Ryan Clark looked look slow of foot and didn’t bring any of the blistering tackles we are used to. Willie Gay and Ike Taylor played gamely but again just couldn’t match up to the Patriots.
It wouldn’t be a 2013 Steelers game without a special teams screw up, Julian Edelman returned a punt 43 yards deep into Steelers territory, setting up a touchdown that gave the Patriots a back breaking 34-24 lead. The jury is still out on Mat McBriar who was the main culprit on the play. They were having a fairly good day until that point in the return game but continues to be issues.
The offense produced a huge day, but again the offensive line is just downright dangerous and it is only a matter of time until Ben goes out on his shield. Kelvin Beachum, doesn’t look like the answer at Left Tackle and he had a very tough day. Despite that Big Ben produced a huge day after a very shaky first quarter, throwing for 400 yards and four touchdowns! Why Ben was still in the game when all was lost was a huge mistake considering the line troubles.
The receivers really shined with great performances from Manny Sanders, who showed New England what they lost out on, Antonio Brown who had a good day despite drawing double coverage and Jerricho Cotchery had a HUGE DAY and he was a bright spot, catching seven passes and becoming the first Steelers player in seven years to have three touchdown catches in a game. Heath Miller and Le’Veon Bell chipped in for eight catches.
At the end of the day the Steelers couldn’t keep up with the Patriots in a toe to toe fight. After a whipping like that changes are coming, so be ready!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO
The mid season report card will be out this week.
My “GAME BEER” goes to: We have to go with Jerricho Cotchery, because the Patriots didn’t account for him and he made them pay with a three touchdown performance. Also Considered, Manny Sanders as well as Cam Heyward.
Where I watched the game: We watched with the kids and I made Sausage an Peppers again hoping it would help and we had our usual house full of people on Sunday. The Beer of choice was Beamish Stout from Ireland which I snuck into the country from my trip.
My Stat of the week: A 3-Touchdown Performance by Jerricho Cotchery was the first time in seven years by a Steelers receiver. I am avoiding the 600 plus yards against the Steelers, the worst in franchise history.
My thoughts on Next Week: We will be in the ‘Burgh and look for a big bounce back week against the Bills!