Happy Thanksgiving! The Steelers marched into Indianapolis and dominated an injury riddled Colts team 28-7. Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell put together solid efforts in beating a game but completely undermanned Colts team. The Steelers have now won back to back games on the road for the first time this season.
The Colts plan was to match up Vontae Davis against Antonio Brown. It was a mismatch and Davis left the game with and injury as Brown raked in three touchdowns on five catches for 91 yards! Ben Roethlisberger had all day and easily picked apart the 32nd ranked pass defense. He wasn’t intercepted and was never touched.
Le’Veon Bell ran with ease having over 100 yards for the second game in a row, finishing with 120 yards on 23 carries and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The Offensive Line opened huge holes and pushed the Colts all over the field. They had no answer for the Steelers offense.
The Steelers defense struggled on third down, but made several big plays when needed, including two goal line stands. James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons pressured backup Scott Tolzien, each recording a sack. Sean Davis and Mike Mitchell both turned in great games. Davis saved a touchdown, catching Tolzien on a QB keeper. Mitchell’s Fourth Quarter interception sealed the Steelers win!
The Special Teams struggled again, they allowed a 43-yard kick return by former Steeler Jordan Todman and 35-yard pass from Pat McAfee on a fake punt on the same possession that set up the Colts’ first TD. It was a tough outing and needs to improve.
It was great work by the coaching staff, who had to prepare on a short week against a Quarterback they had never seen. They were the only team that played on the road Sunday before the short week. The game plan was apparent and they executed it perfectly. The defense stepped up when needed.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown whose numbers didn’t tell the story. He was held on nearly every play and absolutely torched Vontae Davis. Also Considered: Ladarius Green, who is starting to emerge. Sean Davis who had a huge bounce back game.
Where I watched the game: Tricky question this week. We listened to the game in the car on Westwood one radio, fun but the announcers are boring. Got to the house and watched the 2nd and 3rd quarters, then listened to the Steelers broadcast on the way to “moonlight madness”. I forgotten how much I enjoy listening to the radio with, Bill Hillgrove, Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley. BTW still miss Myron! NO BEERS THIS WEEK, although had Miller Lite after the Turkey Bowl
My Stat of the week: TWO…games in a row in which Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t sacked or intercepted. The Steelers roll as Ben rolls.
My Thoughts on next week: The game is a big one, between NFL Royalty, the Giants and the Steelers. They have TEN Super Bowl wins between them and the family ownership history are completely intertwined. Tim Mara was one of the driving factors in Art Rooney buying the Pittsburgh Football team! It is always a great game and I am trapped behind enemy lines in NY.
This week’s Jersey: Went with Rod Woodson #26 home for the Turkey Bowl and BTW it wasn’t a Throwback, it is my jersey for 20+ years!!!