The Steelers put together a complete performance and hammered the division leading Cincinnati Bengals, leaving their extremely slim playoff hopes alive (slim might be an understatement they need the Jets to win twice) and giving the fans a glimpse of what might have been this season. The Steelers took an early lead and then pummeled the Bengals for the rest of the first half. It was a solid complete victory over a tough division rival.
The Steelers managed to build a fast 21-0 lead in the first quarter behind the strong play of all three sides of the ball. “Big” Ben Roethlisberger came out fast, battled the elements and completed his first seven passes and led a touchdown drive. The Steelers came out in the no huddle and kept the Bengals off balance. Roethlisberger mixed up the plays with short passes and a huge dose of Le’Veon Bell. Bell had a workmanlike night as he grinded out 57 yards on the ground and caught five passes for another 50 yards. No catch in the game was bigger than Bell’s fourth down conversion in the first quarter that sent the Steelers on their way. Antonio Brown is becoming a bona fide star and he again had five plus catches and played a great game.
The defense played well and with some help from the elements harassed Andy Dalton limiting him 7 for 17 passing in the first half. The defense didn’t allow any big plays and pushed the Bengals around until the lead was comfortable. Vince Williams had a huge stop on Bengals RB Green-Ellis on third and one setting up a muffed punt on the next play. Ziggy Hood had a big game recovering a fumble and recording the team’s only sack. Al Woods played great filling in for Steve McLendon.
The Special teams had the best game they have had in a very long time. The Steelers recovered a bad snap punt on the one yard line, leading to the first score. Antonio Brown ran a punt back setup by great blocking, including Terence Garvin’s jaw breaking thumping of Punter Kevin Huber. Shaun Suisham was perfect for three field goals in a gusting in. The kick coverage was a little suspect but nothing the Steelers couldn’t overcome. Mat McBriar played a good game.
On a personal note, I would never wish anything bad on Silverback and I hope he is ready for next week, but I am glad he didn’t play the Steelers Sunday. It would have been hard seeing him play at Heinz Field in the bad guys uniform.
Whittier once wrote; “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: “It might have been”. That pretty much sums up the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers. The team can beat anyone, but can also lose to anyone which they have proven. What if they showed up in the first half against seriously overmatched foes like Minnesota and Oakland? What if this offense could have been clicking in week one when they muscled the Titans all over but couldn’t muster a point. What if the offensive line had held together better in the first four weeks? What if the refs didn’t totally screw them in the Ravens game? What if Antonio Brown’s foot was one quarter inch over in the Dolphins game? They would be looking at a division win or a wild card at the minimum.
But now it is “It might have been!”
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown, who else could it be? I will look but this has to be the most times in one season that the game beer has been given to someone. A touchdown on offense and special teams and five more catches. Honorable Mention: Ziggy Hood
Where I watched the game: In front of a fire sipping a cold Samuel Adams Juniper IPA on my couch with just KGB cuddled up to me. We had several great types of pizza during the day. I was slated to go to Buckley’s my local pub, but Josh the cook is a Bengals fan and I was afraid he would try and poison me! I did leave him a message this morning, it was two mere words; “We Dey”
My Stat of the week: The crowd of 45,873 was the smallest in the 13-year history of Heinz Field. Its good to see the Steelers haven’t quit on the team even if some of the fans have!
My thoughts on Next Week: To the” Frozen Tundra” of Lambeau Field. I have several mixed emotions about this one, I was supposed to be at the game with my company, but because of the closeness to Christmas. I just can’t take a chance of getting stuck in Appleton. I have several friends on the other side of this one. My thought are on revenge, honestly I believe the Steelers gave Super Bowl XLV away to Green Bay and was looking for a small snippet of revenge on this one. If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t play the Steelers will win, if he does it will be a challenge.