The Steelers avoided a huge Packer upset, squeaking out a 31-28 victory over a game but outmanned team! Led by Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and most of all Antonio Brown, the Steelers did enough to put themselves in position to win, with Chris Boswell kicking a career-long 53-yard field goal as time expired.
Antonio Brown put on an absolute show, making several clutch catches and leading the team with 10 receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns. No catch was bigger than his fourth quarter sideline grab for 14 yards that all but won the game. The catch was unbelievable and it showed what a special player he is.
The offense turned the ball over three times, but for the most part moved the ball at will. Ben Roethlisberger put together a good game racking up his second four touchdown game in two weeks. He finished with a whopping 351 yards and 106.8 rating. The receivers didn’t help him with multiple drops by five different receivers. All the players somewhat redeemed themselves, but it was apparent that JuJu Smith-Schuster and Vance McDonald were missed. It was great to see Martavis Bryant make a big impact.
Le’Veon Bell had a terrific game with 183 yards from scrimmage. He banged out 95 yards on the ground and had plenty of room to run all day. He had 88 yards passing, taking every check down Ben needed.
The defense had a terrible game. Despite playing against a Quarterback who struggled in all his starts, he lit the Steelers defense up and they looked ordinary. Artie Burns was torched all game, blowing coverages and missing tackles. Ryan Shazier whiffed on the 54-yard screen play to Jamal Williams. The Packers marched down the field and tied the game with just over two minutes left.
The Steelers clearly miss Joe Haden, as the secondary has given up touchdown passes of 39, 54 and 55 yards in the first half, with nine of the 10 longest pass plays this season having come in Haden’s absence.
The front seven dialed up the pressure in the second half, registering four sacks, with T.J. Watt coming back from coverage to absolutely level Brett Hundley and keep the score tied. Cameron Heyward had a great second half and the Packers registered only 80 yards on the ground. But letting a backup march down the field and tie the game was very frustrating.
Little Bos missed an extra point for the first time at home, but drilled the game winning field goal for 53 yards to win the game. It was the longest field goal in Heinz Field history.
It looked a lot like another “Tomlin Letdown” but the Steelers recovered in time to push the record to 9-2!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown, who absolutely saved the day. The Stats are impressive but that is like saying Rembrandt used to paint. He is a complete artist and a game changer, his last drive performance absolutely won the game. Also Considered: Little Bos, who rebounded to kick the longest field goal in Heinz Field history!
Where I watched the game: Back at the house in front of the TV and a great fire with KGB. The Janick was at the game with Captain Jr.! We didn’t have snacks because it was late and we went with old reliable Miller Lite. Because, of my business affiliations with Wisconsin, Bill and I had some text chains going! In the end it is an easier day at work today with a Steelers win!
My Stat of the week: Going with 4! Four Touchdowns thrown by Ben Roethlisberger for the second week in a row, despite two picks he was in command all game. He also had some mobility that the Packers had no answer for.
My Thoughts on next week: Very interesting game, the Packers were walloped by the Rabirds at home…which is why this game scares me! Without Aaron Rogers this is a different team clearly. Look for a much tougher contest with the Steelers pulling it out.
This week’s Jersey: Steelers Throwback 1967, Home #74, with ¾ sleeve.