The last ride of the “Bumble Bees” was a success as the Steelers beat the NY Jets 31-13! Behind a stellar performance by Ben Roethlisberger and a stingy second half defense the Steelers now lead the AFC North! Yesterday also marks the last day of the 1934 Steelers throwback.
The Jets strength is their front four and the Steelers had the perfect game plan to nullify it. They had quick sharp passes and Ben Roethlisberger jumped them early with a 72-yard TD to Sammie Coates. It was another outstanding day by Big Ben, he threw four more TDs, giving him 15 for the season and 9 for the last two weeks. When the Steelers fell behind 13-7 Big Ben turned the game with 2:00 minutes left in the half, completing 7 of 10 passes for 67 yards with a 1-yard Jesse James touchdown to finish the drive. The Steelers never trailed again.
The offensive line, playing without Marcus Gilbert and Ryan Harris, absolutely neutralized the Jets front four, they struggled to run the ball, but the pass protection was excellent and the Jets could never solve it. Chris Hubbard did a terrific job filling in.
Sammie Coates and Ross Cockrell were the symbols of the day, both had up and down performances, with some key mistakes but when the game was on the line, both came through. Coates made the big plays and in the end his numbers were spectacular. He finished with six catches for 139 yards, he also had his sixth catch of 40+ yards which is tops in the league. Cockrell limited Brandon Marshal to just two catches in the second half after struggling in the first.
Four players had six or more catches with Jesse James and Antonio Brown joining Coates with touchdowns. AB was AB with nine catches and 78 yards. Le’Veon Bell made a huge impact catching the ball, he had nine catches for 88 yards and was open on nearly every third down.
After a shaky start the defense pitched a second half shutout. The linebackers provided the pressure and Jarvis Jones emergence continued, as he made two big back breaking plays in the third quarter, batting down a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass and then blowing up a third down conversion on a shovel pass. Anthony Chickillo had his first career sack and continues to develop. It was great work by the front seven and they set the tone.
Coaching will be the discussion in the national media this week, as Todd Bowles was clearly outcoached by Mike Tomlin. Every adjustment that the Steelers needed, they made and it worked out perfectly. Every decision Bowles made, flopped, including hoping for the stop after punting on 4th and 2 and watching the Steelers march down the field and close out the game. It was a great job by the Steelers coaching staff…going to give a mulligan on that disastrous fake punt.
The Steelers started sloppy but then made the adjustments and now are atop the division!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Ben Roethlisberger, he played another amazing game and absolutely torched the Jets all day. When he needed to make a play, he made it! Also considered; Ross Cockrell and Sammie Coates for their turnaround. Chris Hubbard who did a great job filling in and of course Matt Feiler, who didn’t play but went to Bloomsburg and I am the chief writer of this blog, so I can pick who I want 😉 !!!
Where I watched the game: Back at the house, with KGB and the family. We had wings brought in from Buckley’s, KGB made a plate of cheeses and meats with fresh baked bread. Iron City was the beer of choice.
My Stat of the week: 4- 2: The Steelers Record with the “Bumble Bee” jersey all -time! The two losses were both divisional games! I also attended the first wearing of the jersey so I am nostalgic. I hope they pick the 66-67 uniform next season.
My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers head down to Miami and we will be there too! Looking forward to seeing the Steelers again live! Look for a solid Steelers win.
This weeks Jersey: James Harrison, Throwback 1960.