Sorry for the delay in posting,
After a slow start the Steelers put up four second half touchdowns and for the first time in 28 years had two 100 yard backs. Unfortunately they paid a heavy price for the win with three key injuries on defense.
The Steelers went back to the basics and pummeled the Panthers front seven with a great ground game. Le’Veon Bell finished with his second 100-yard game of the season. Bell had 100 of his 147 yards in the second half and ripped off an 81 yard run. LaGarrette Blount put up 100 plus yards as well and had runs of 15, 17, 19 and a 50 yard gallop, he capped it off his performance with an 8-yard touchdown. It was the first time two Steelers had 100 yards since 1986!
Ben Roethlisberger played well and managed the game effectively, Antonio Brown was down right spectacular and Markus Wheaton continues to grow into his role. He was absolutely jobbed on a call.
The defense started slow allowing another opening score for the third week in a row. But then woke up, after getting gashed for an average of 171 yards rushing in the first two games, the Panthers finished with just 42 yards on 12 carries. DE Cam Heyward and DE Brett Keisel were all over the place and punished Cam Newton all night long. NT Steve McLendon played one of his best games and pitched in with a sack.
Unfortunately injuries stole the show, The linebackers had a great game but suffered two devastating injuries, Jarvis Jones played extremely well but suffered a wrist injury. Arthur Moats filled in nicely in his absence. Ryan Shazier had and ankle injury and Cornerback Ike Taylor had a gruesome arm injury.
The Special teams continues to surprise and had a terrific game. Brad Wing looks reborn since the season started and he boomed a spectacular 59 yard punt. Robert Golden and Shamarko Thomas were disruptive and on the ball all night, forcing a huge game changing turnover.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO
My “GAME BEER” goes to: I am giving out a case of beer this week to the maligned offensive line. Their performance was simply dominating of a very capable Panthers front seven. Marcus Gilbert after playing terrible against the Ravens rebounded and absolutely erased the Panthers up front. Dave DeCastro was great and ripped huge holes in the line. My buddy Mike who I watched the game commented “anyone could run through those holes.” Also Considered: The Running Backs Bell and Blount, and I could give this to Antonio Brown every single week because he deserves it.
Where I watched the game: The Stadium in Saratoga NY, I have watched there several times in the past, unfortunately there was only a small Steeler crowd but my buddies (Tom, Pat, Ed, Mike, Matt and Dan) more than made up for it. I drank Yuengling and ate a Chicken Cheese Steak and split homemade Potato Chips with Dan during the game. The plan was to leave at half time but I stayed the whole game as the Steelers started rolling, superstitious, texted with the Captain and KGB all game as well.
My Stat of the week: The Steelers rushed for 264 yards on the ground!!! That was the first time the Steelers had two 100 yard backs in a game since 1986. (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198610260pit.htm)
My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers will face a tough but limited Buccaneers team. The Bucs were humiliated on National TV and I expect Lovie Smith to rev them up. The Steelers will pull this out but it will not be a walk in the park.