The Steelers edged the Chiefs Sunday. It was a throwback win, for the Steelers, pound the football, don’t make mistakes and play tough defense. The victory was hard fought and in the end it booked the Steelers a ticket to the AFC Championship Game.
The offensive game plan was to run the football and the Steelers stayed on their game plan. They ran Le’Veon Bell and he had over 100 yards in the first half. He did great work, setting the tone and setting up most of the scoring drives. After setting the Steelers post season rushing record last week, he topped his performance with 170 yards this week. As usual it starts up front and Dave DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey dominated, getting to the second level and punching holes in the defense. Marcus Gilbert put Justin Houston in his pocket and he was a non-factor. It was outstanding to watch Alejandro Villanueva pulling on several big plays and springing some runs.
Ben Roethlisberger, managed the game, and wasn’t spectacular, but got the job done when needed. Antonio Brown, racked up only six receptions, but netted 108 yards, his last reception was the game clincher and he came through in a big way. Jesse James was a tremendous weapon and he finished with five catches and 80+ yards. Eli Rogers chipped in with five catches. Cobi Hamilton had one catch but his best contributions were his blocking.
The game plan was to stop the run and bottle up Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. The defense did just that! They allowed touchdowns on the first and last drives, but dominated in between. The Chiefs were held to 61 yards on 14 carries, a 4.4-yard average, but didn’t have a run longer than 11 yards and after allowing a 21-yard completion to TE Travis Kelce on the first pass attempt, the Chiefs didn’t have a reception longer than 9 yards in the first half.
James Harrison dominated Eric Fisher and had two big plays, a third down sack where he absolutely wrecked Alex Smith. Then he drew a holding call on the what would have been the two-point conversion for the tie. Fisher held the whole game and he held on the retry as well but only was flagged earlier. Harrison also had six tackles and three for a loss. Bud Dupree caused an interception by Ryan Shazier and both played well.
Give credit, to the Special Teams, yes that isn’t a typo. Chris Boswell, aka “Little Bos” was a star. He nailed six different field goals and did a great job on kickoffs. The coverages were solid on kickoff, led by Vince Williams and Jarvis Jones. Jordan Berry only had one punt on the day.
While the Steelers didn’t play their best game, they executed a tremendous game plan and give credit to Coach Tomlin for taking what was given. The Steelers moved the ball pretty much at will and kept the Chiefs’ playmakers on ice. It was a great effort and well done.
Now it is on to New England!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Le’Veon Bell and James Harrison, For Bell, you play your second postseason game and re-set the Steelers rushing record, you have done something special, it was an amazing effort. James Harrison, for setting the tone and his domination of Eric Fisher. Who should have been called ten time for holding! Also Considered: Little Bos, for setting the postseason record for Six Field Goals!!!
Where I watched the game: After returning from the Dominican Republic on a quick vacation with KGB, we stayed in in front of a fire and let the “Tailgate Kids” stay up late to watch the game. We considered going to Buckleys because it is a night game! We had a great dinner and then I paced the floor for two hours. KGB had wine and I drank IC Light again which I am rationing. Texted with Bill and The Janick the whole game!
My Stat of the week: Going with 6! In honor of Little Bos who was so understated after the game, despite his awesome effort!
My Thoughts on next week: I have been praying for this game. Ric Flair says, “To be the man, you got to beat the man!” I want to beat the Patriots and Tom Brady. The Steelers will be the underdogs and it is going to be the best they can play. Let’s get it done!
This week’s Jersey: NO JERSEY, However, I brought the Terrible Towel to the DR and saw several Steelers fans in both airports!