The Steelers rallied from 17 points and defeated the Bengals in a violent game, which saw Ryan Shazier suffer a serious injury. The Steelers extended their best start in 13 years with the come from behind win. This was the Steelers sixth straight win against their AFC North Rival and their ninth in ten games!
The offense and the defense started off slow. With Ryan Shazier going out early, the Bengals, ran through big holes in the line and finished with 130 yards on 22 carries, the most the Steelers have allowed in the past eight games. The team clearly lacked focus and energy. They also gave up three 3rd and longs. The second half they came out strong and were able to take the fight to the Bengals, holding them to three second half points. Vince Williams led the way with a big sack and several big plays. The Secondary continues to struggle without Joe Haden. Coty Sensabaugh was sent to the bench after getting torched by A.J. Green and it was clear that Mike Mitchell was missed.
The offense was nearly shutout in the first half, but scored three points in the closing seconds. Ben Roethlisberger rallied the Steelers in the second half. Throwing for 181 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He did a terrific job avoiding pressure. Le’Veon Bell didn’t find the running room he had in the first meeting. Bell ran for 76 yards with 51 coming in the second half. He also demolished Dre Kirkpatrick on a 4th and one, running him over for a nine yard gain, He made a huge impact in the passing game, leading the team with 106 yards on five catches, two of which, were the biggest in the game. A 33 yarder in the first half, setup the first Steelers points and a tight rope run against a confused and frozen Bengals defense got the Steelers back in it. James Conner also checked in with three carries for 12 yards.
It is hard to find any new superlatives about Antonio Brown’s game. He continues to impress with eight passes for 101 yards including the game tying Touchdown that he was nearly decapitated on by George “Jago” Iloka. Martavis Bryant seems to be coming out of his funk. He made four catches and is starting to make an impact, he also had a run back on kickoff that was negated on a holding penalty. JuJu Smith-Schuster had only four catches but his impact was felt on a crushing blindside block that annihilated Vontaze Burfict, sending him to the locker room on a stretcher. It wasn’t a cheap shot, but it was an illegal crack back and JuJu made it worst by taunting.
Chris Boswell aka “Little Boz” nailed his third winning field goal in four weeks.
In the end the Steelers got off the deck and recovered in time to win the game!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Ryan Shazier our thoughts and prayers are with #50 as he begins the road to recovery. Also Considered: Le’Veon Bell who made two big plays, Antonio Brown who had the game tying TD while almost getting decapitated and “Little Bos” who hit the game winner three of the last four weeks.
Where I watched the game: KGB and I tried Buckley’s my local pub, but we had to deal with “Dart Night” then tried Sea Cove, which has the jersey giveaway, but the vibe wasn’t great for MNF, so we came back and finished at the house. Beer of Choice was Narragansett Lager and we had baked clams and the worst boneless wings ever!
My Stat of the week: 13-173 yards in Penalties for the Bengals, A new record! The game almost had a body count by the end and suspensions are being handed out today. It also shows Marvin Lewis has little to no control over his team!
My Thoughts on next week: Buckle up! The Ravens are on the comeback trail and this is almost a must win for them. Look for a slugfest with the Steelers out shooting them. Also my favorite excuse of all time to KGB, “But it’s Raven’s Week”
This week’s Jersey: Steelers Color Rush, Alejandro Villanueva #78, this is the jersey we won at Sea Cove for the Titans game!