The Steelers overcame several mistakes and were able to hold off the upstart Cleveland Browns. Despite racking up a whopping 13 penalties for 144 yards and gaining less than 300 yards of total offense, the Steelers still prevailed.
The Steelers offense never clicked all day. Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant both looked extremely rusty as neither really factored into the win. Bell was tentative and looked like someone who didn’t practice. He finished with just 32 yards on 10 carries. His last run of the day was his biggest for 15 yards and it sealed the win for the Steelers. Bryant, had only two catches for 14 yards and struggled most of the day.
Ben Roethlisberger had a workman like game putting up 263 yards and throwing two TD’s. However, he also looked rusty and threw a crucial interception that breathed life into the Browns chances. The Browns played their Safeties deep, so the Steelers dinked and dunked them to death.
Antonio Brown, saved the day for the Steelers offense, catching the game clincher on a “chuck and hope” throw from Roethlisberger. If there was any question of his value, he answered it yesterday. He took control of the game putting up more than half the Steeler offense with 182 yards and making several great catches. Jesse James reiterated his pitch to be the starting Tight End, he had six catches and both Touchdowns!
The defense, did a terrific job against a game but overmatched Browns offense. It always starts up front and even without Bud Dupree and losing Stephon Tuitt on the first series, the Steelers dominated. The Browns could only muster 57 yards rushing on 25 carries. Many of those yards came on 3rd and long situations. The pass rush was impressive, registering seven big sacks.
T.J. Watt in his debut battled grizzled veteran Joe Thomas and came away with two sacks and a big interception after he had a costly penalty. It was a terrific debut and he continues to impress. Javon Hargrave and Steelhead Heyward, in his return, put up 2.5 sacks between them and pushed the Browns line around. Ryan Shazier was all over the field tying Watt for the team lead in tackles with seven. Anthony Chickillo, filling in for the injured Dupree, was in DeShone Kizer’s face all day , dumping him for two sacks as well as contributing on special teams with a Touchdown.
It is always great to see special teams contribute and Tyler “Tackle Machine” Matakevich blocked the first Browns punt which lead to Chickillo’s Touchdown, the Steelers’ first blocked punt for a touchdown in 19 years. “Little Bos” was on the money as usual. Jordan Berry struggled and needs to pick it up.
The Steelers looked lethargic at best and not ready for the game and that is on the coaches. That being written, style points don’t matter and a win is a win. The Steelers start out 1-0
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: We have to go with Antonio Brown, who almost singlehandedly won the game. He is this week’s Game Beer player for the clinching catch. Also, considered: T.J Watt for an outstanding rookie debut. Jesse James for two TDS and Anthony Chickillo for coming off the bench and putting on a show.
Where I watched the game: At the house with KGB and the “Tailgate Kids”. We did pictures for opening day outside. We had cheese, crackers and meats for snacks. As for Beer, we had to send IC Light to the bench after the lethargic start and went with Leinekugel Harvest Patch Shandy. Spaghetti and Meatballs was the celebratory dinner.
My Stat of the week: ELEVEN…wins by Ben Roethlisberger in Cleveland “Whatever it’s called now” Stadium. Roethlisberger passes Derek Anderson as the winningest QB in Cleveland since they rejoined the league. Since we added this section to the blog, this is now my favorite stat! DeShone Kizer is well on his way to breaking this, but as of now it belongs to Big Ben! If 11 sounds familiar to any Browns fans who read this…11 is where the Steelers drafted Ben after the Browns drafted Kellen Winslow at SIX!
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers are going to be crucified this week about how poorly they played. The Vikings are a tough team and Mike Zimmerman knows the Steelers well. Look for another tough fight with the Steelers pulling out.
This week’s Jersey: I started the season with Mike Webster 52 Home. Had several ideas and made some changes but in the end my heart is with the O-Line and with one of the greatest players to ever grace the Steelers!