After a slow start, a turnover and a near turnover, the Steelers came back and wrecked the Redskins! After recovering his own fumble Ben Roethlisberger, never looked back as the Steelers rolled to a 38-16 victory
Ben Roethlisberger, who was missing, the retired Heath Miller, the injured Markus Wheaton and the suspended Martavis Bryant, threw three touchdowns, after shaking off some early rust. He passed for 151 of his 300 yards and two of his three touchdowns in the first half. He attacked the Redskins with a precision passing game that included two huge Fourth Down conversions including a 29-yard touchdown to Antonio Brown. You could literally hear the air leave the stadium at that point, the Steelers never trailed again in the game.
Antonio Brown had a spectacular night, pulling in two touchdowns. He finished with eight catches for 126 yards and continues to be an unstoppable force. Rookie Eli Rogers chipped in with six catches for 59 yards including a fourth down conversion. He made the best of his opportunity and will push for playing time. Both Jesse James and DeAngelo Williams contributed to the passing game with clutch catches.
DeAngelo Williams had a great night, he continued a slow build and put together a monster second half, rushing for 105 of his 143 yards and scoring on a 16-yard run. He also pounded out two third and shorts. The offensive line just punished the Redskins front seven and eventually wore them down.
The defense held the Redskins to under 360 yards, it was apparent that the game plan was limit big plays and keep the Redskins in check. The did both, holding the Redskins to just three field goals and a late touchdown. Ryan Shazier had an outstanding game and was all over the field. Sean Davis had a very nice debut and Robert Golden’s first week as a starter was a success. James Harrison had an interception in the end zone to put the exclamation point on the game.
Mike Tomlin going for it on Fourth Down twice and then going for the end zone on top of it was not only gutsy but it put the Redskins on their heels and they never recovered. It was a very good game plan and it was executed well.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
The Game Beer: I am going with Big Ben and stats have nothing to do with it. It’s about attitude and reliability, he just plays as a big game QB and last night missing several of his key personnel he delivered.
Where I watched the game: FedEx Field for my first home opener! The tailgate was great and turned into a block party after the game the Washington Fans were really fun to watch the game with, they were passionate but not disrespectful. The Redskins management handed out their own towel but it didn’t really help. As usual the Steelers fans had a great showing. The Beer of choice was Iron City which I flew down in my luggage!
My Stat of the week: Two for Two on fourth down conversions. I wouldn’t want any other coach than Mike Tomlin! Both plays show his belief in the team and even the Redskins’ fans felt they were being outcoached.
My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers face the Bengals and it’s going to be a fist fight again…these teams bring out the worse and best of each other. The stat of next week, might be the body count!
This weeks Jersey: Joe Greene, Home Black, my gamer.