The Steelers controlled the clock and their own destiny and a possible trip to New England but on one play that symbolized the entire season, it all slipped away!
Fitzgerald Toussant’s who had a great postseason and did an excellent job filling in, had a very costly fumble in the fourth quarter that swung the game back to Denver. The Broncos capitalized and Peyton Manning drove them down for the go ahead touchdown and the season was basically over. While the Steelers lost a chance to go to a record AFC Championship game that’s not what resonates to me.
This team battled so much adversity and so many injuries it was a testament to the character and strength of the whole organization. For those keeping score at home, the Steelers went into Denver without their best playmaker, without their starting running back and his backup who was the teams leading rusher. Big Ben Roethlisberger played behind a makeshift line without it’s starting left tackle and pro-bowl Center…but somehow they were in it until the end and made a mad dash to get back into the game. To me that is heart and everyone on that team should hold their head up high.
It always starts with Ben Roethlisberger and he put together one of his best performances. He spread the ball around passed for 339 yards against the best defense in football and never turned the ball over. He pushed and willed the Steelers down the field. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get the win.
The defense played a solid game as well and made several key plays to keep the Steelers in it. The Bronco’s also should have been off the field when Peyton Manning clearly gave himself up on a sack attempt by Will Allen, but Allen never touched him and Manning being the savvy veteran completed the pass to keep the eventual game winning drive alive.
While the defense eventually broke down, they certainly did their job keeping the Broncos in check. James Harrison saved his best game for yesterday. He had several key stops in the run game and sacked Manning.
It wouldn’t be a Steelers playoff loss without some kind of Special Teams disaster and yesterday was no exception. Markus Wheaton, filling in for Antonio Brown, muffed two punts, one of which was almost a safety. He looked completely lost.
P Jordan Berry had his worst game as a Steeler, after allowing two long returns in the first meeting, the Steelers immediately gave up a 42-yard punt return that led to a field goal. Berry had two punts of 27 yards, one leading to a field goal, and he netted 19 yards on a punt that was intended to pin down the Broncos. The Broncos started on the Steelers side of the field almost the whole game. It was a horrible day for Berry.
Chris “Little Bos” Boswell was the lone bright spot and he nailed three field goals. One also wonders if the Steelers had Little Bos all season if the game might have been in Pittsburgh!
BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: James Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger, Both were outstanding and if this was Harrison’s last game he went out in style. Also considered: Martavis Bryant who is an absolute playmaker and Will Allen who did a great job.
Where I watched the game: KGB and I stayed home again after wrestling the remnants of our Christmas decorations. We watched with the “Tailgate Kids”, who had a great time. The beer of choice was Samuel Adams Cold Snap, which unfortunately didn’t help the outcome. We had sausage and peppers as well, but again no luck!
My Stat of the week: ZERO, the number of wins the Steelers have when they lose the Turnover battle. The secondary had their spots but couldn’t put it together. Very disappointing but telling.
My thoughts on Next Week: I am going to miss the Steelers! I also know New England is breathing easier! We also will publish the final season report.