The Steelers renewed one of the nastiest rivalries in sports, with a 33-20 whupping of the Bengals! In a game that looked more like a gang rumble than a football game at times the Steelers played a more disciplined game and came out on top with a big win. Vince Williams provided a spark with a pregame altercation with Vontaze Burfict and there were several skirmishes that continued the whole day.
The Steelers established the leaded early on a sustained drive of 11 plays that took up about six minutes and they never trailed again in the game. DeAngelo Williams pounded in the first of his two touchdowns. He chimed in for 76 tough yards and hasn’t showed signs of slowing down. He also added two catches and was a steadying force all day.
Ben Roethlisberger ran an efficient if unspectacular offense against the Bengals tough defense. He racked up a workmanlike 282 Yards, hitting five different targets including Heath Miller for 10 catches and Antonio Brown for 7 catches. He had plenty of time all day and get a great rhythm.
The defense had several key plays including, Stephon Tuitt’s game changing interception on the Bengals opening drive, the pick and his tackle of Tuitt sent Andy Dalton from the game with a thumb injury. Once AJ McCarron came in it was all over. Lawrence Timmons and Ryan Shazier keyed on the defense forcing McCarron to throw. The Steelers picked him off twice including a great pick six by Willie Gay that was setup by a bull rushing James Harrison. Gay jumped a hitch route and ran into the end zone. Robert Golden intercepted what would be the back breaker. The defense forced three turnovers that resulted in 17 points. It was a solid team effort.
I will say it in a win as well as a loss. THE REFS are terrible. Seriously, they had no control of the game and the calls they made on both sides were jerky at best.
The coaching deserves kudos as Mike Tomlin let the team be rough, but kept their discipline. They also easily proved who was the toughest team as they pushed around the Bengals. It was a must win for the Steelers and they did just that!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!!!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Stephon Tuitt, look I am prejudice towards the big guys and when they get the ball I love it, Tuitt’s play changed the whole game and he “swept the leg” on the Ginger Rocket Andy Dalton. Also Considered: Heath Miller who had ten tough catches. William Gay who had a great pick six but ruined it with a TERRIBLE dance.
Where I watched the game: I was home with the family and kids decorating for Christmas. (STILL) The beer of choice was Samuel Adams Cold Snap, which I am now 2-0 with. We had Chicken and Potatoes and it was a great day! The kids had a two on two touch game before we started.
My Stat of the week: 17 points off three turnovers. Also four…Bengals getting sent to the locker room. Including Andy Dalton and Vontaze Burfict who got whupped on all day.
My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers can sneak up on the Broncos, the rumor is that Peyton might be back. If the Steelers win this they almost guarantee themselves a playoff spot. Coach Tomlin knows that and will be ready.