The Pittsburgh Steelers played one of their most well rounded games of the season and promptly…lost. BWG is not exactly sure how the Steelers lost this one. Summing it up pretty accurately, the difference was the Jets made two very big plays and that was enough to get it done on a cold night in the ‘Burgh. When you look at the top performers of the game on ESPN, the Steelers lead all the categories. The Jets had the biggest stat though and that was 22 points which was enough for the win.
Lets sum it up; The Offense had a 100 yard rusher and a 100 yard receiver…but didn’t make the biggest plays when needed. The makeshift Offensive line easily played their best game of the season…and gave up safety to Pittsburgh’s own Jason Taylor. The Defense held the Jets to 13 points and less than 300 yards and made a key stop when it was needed at the end of the game…and missed several key tackles that allowed the Jets to make the plays to win the game. The Special Teams hung tough all day…except they let up and opening drive kick return. It was just a strange game, at no point did I think the Steelers would let this one get away…but somehow they did.
If you are a stat hound or a fantasy player it was a fun game to watch. The Steelers were slow as usual getting out of the gate after spotting the Jets seven points. Then they just muscled up and played a terrific game on offense. It was the most complete offensive game since the Raiders beating last month. In less than ideal conditions the offense moved the ball pretty well, racking up 378 yards while the O-Line pushed the Jets defense all over the field. For all the talk about who are the biggest bullies are and all that bravado the Jets coach said, the Steelers literally took it to the Jets on offense. Rashard Mendenhall banged out 100 yards against a defense that didn’t give up 100 yards in over a year. Also having a great day was Emmanuel Sanders and Mike Wallace! Wallace was held by Antonio Cromartie on nearly every play including what would have been the game winning touchdown.
I want to be angry about losing especially as a native New Yorker behind enemy lines here in Jet County but seriously, the performances were solid and I was actually relieved that the offense could move the ball again.
Here is the bad news; the pass rush was mediocre is the only negative I will say, but the Steelers rarely blitzed. Silverback James Harrison made a very costly mistake that led to a huge fourth down conversion as did Ryan Mundy who let Mark Sanchez escape a sure sack, but he made a great account of himself in the game. Worse news is I owe Brian Stein lunch my friend and colleague.
SERIOUSLY HOW DID THEY LOSE THIS GAME!!!
There is good news; by some voodoo magic of numbers and Roger Goodell’s wheel of punishment, the Steelers actually qualified for the playoffs last night. I don’t know the exact formula but I am hoping that penalty yards and nonsense fines are a positive factor in the math that helped them qualify.
There is more good news!!! We don’t have to wait one more week to get this losing taste out of our collective mouths. The Steelers tee up again Thursday against a very beatable Panthers team.
If that is not enough for you there is more!!! If the Steelers win the next two games they qualify for the Number Two seed and the sorely needed first round bye, no matter what the Ravens do. Why is that important you may ask, because that gives the Steelers the best chance at fielding their best team, Aaron Smith could conceivably be back and let’s face it this defense needs Troy. One extra week would be beneficial for everyone as the Steelers are banged up pretty good.
So don’t despair, this was a bump in the road. Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Rashard Mendenhall who was the first 100 yard rusher against the Jets in over a year. He played an excellent game and looked great! Honorable Mention is Big Ben and Mike Wallace.
Where I watched the game: In my living room on my projection screen! I watched with my three dyed in the wool Steeler kids (see link below) and I am happy to report that I didn’t F-Bomb once in front of them. The getting food at halftime was a metaphor of the Steelers day. I got the kids loaded up in the car, ran to McDonalds had 5 minutes to spare on the half when I arrived…I realized I was missing my wallet! So I had to listen to the third quarter in the car!
http://community.post-gazette.com/media/p/55885.aspx
My thoughts on Next (THIS) Week: The Steelers need a statement game after losing this week. I think the Panthers will provide the perfect foil for that. Look for the Panthers to keep it close early and the Steelers to run away with it.
April 12th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Fantastic post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.