The Steelers dominated the Cleveland Browns to finish the 2013 season 8-8 and narrowly missed the Sixth seed in the AFC. It would have taken a miracle for the Steelers to make the playoffs and it nearly happened, but a Chiefs 10 point blown 4th quarter lead and a missed Ryan Succop field goal, sealed the Steelers fate for 2013. It was a good effort against the Browns on both sides of the ball.
The Steelers kept the Browns off the scoreboard until late in the fourth quarter and pushed them all over the field. Brett Keisel, possibly playing his last game at Heinz Field, made several big plays including forcing a fumble, that snuffed out another Browns drive. Lawrence Timmons completed another excellent season by having a tremendous game, he made plays all over the field including a one handed stop. Jarvis Jones was all over the field and played his best game as a Steeler. Vince Williams and Stevenson Sylvester both played well and held the Browns running game in check all day long.
The Secondary, especially Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen, kept Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron quiet until the end of the 3rd quarter. Gordon looked like a beaten man all day. Ryan Clark, another Steeler who certainly played his last game here, played well and Troy Polamalu was darting all over the field including creaming the Browns Guard on a perfectly timed blitzed.
Big Ben looked a little off all day and he threw two interceptions, one which was a jump ball, one that was a terrible coverage read, neither led to points but he didn’t seem sharp. He however put together one of his best seasons and the reason the Steelers were still contending in week 17 was because of his efforts. Le’Veon Bell had a tremendous day and played another great game. He finished the season with a Steelers rookie record of 1,259 yards from scrimmage and he put together eight touchdowns, he did all that while missing the first three games of the year and leaving week four early.
Antonio Brown cemented his place in Steelers history with nine more catches, finishing the year with a monstrous 110 catches and 1,499 yards. He never had less than five catches in a game and put up over 80+ yards in 10 games. It was a magical season and he deserves all the kudos he gets. Brown was also a tremendous return man putting up 400+ yards. Consider this, Mike Wallace, the person he “replaced” in the offense put up almost 40 less catches last year and was a non-factor in Miami this year, the Steelers kept the right man!
After the worst start in 45 years, the fact that the Steelers finished at five hundred, were one play away from making the playoffs and won eight of the final twelve is a testament to the coaching. Mike Tomlin has built a winning program even with all the distractions, he kept the Steelers competitive all year, despite injuries and being “outmanned” a few times. Paraphrasing what Steve Beuerlein said during the game, “no one wanted to see the Steelers next week.” They peaked too late but the future looks bright.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Brett Keisel and Ryan Clark, it looks like Sunday will be their last with the Steelers. Both will be remembered as tremendous Steelers and BWG nation is grateful for everything that they did for the Steelers. While both may continue elsewhere they will ALWAYS be Steelers! Also Considered: Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown.
Where I watched the game: Drinking Leinekugel Hoppin Helles, while KGB drank Dos Equis. KGB put out a great spread of cheeses and breads to snack on while we watched the game. Little Miss Tailgate and my son Dante watched and frantically checked the other scores to see if we could make the playoffs. In the end it was a great way to cap the season.
My Stat of the week: The stat of the week is 16-31-1, that is the combined record of the Raiders, Vikings and Titans who the Steelers dropped all 3 games to. One win against that drek and the Steelers would be headed to Cincy next week. If they could have taken all three the Bengals would be headed to Pittsburgh! It is safe to say, the Bengals are breathing a sigh of relief. I hope they crush the Chargers!
My thoughts on Next Week: We are going to miss the Steelers! It will be one LONG, BRUTAL offseason.