Jacksonville, Fla. – It was a tale of two halves as the Steelers stole a victory from the Jacksonville Jaguars continuing their winning streak and all but ending the Jaguars season.
Ben Roethlisberger played 55 minutes of the worst football, including throwing three interceptions and then led two touchdown drives in the last five minutes of the game, capped off by a mad scramble for the game winner. Roethlisberger finished with 314 yards and two touchdowns.
The offense was disjointed for most of the game, but in the end JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown came through in the clutch. After a slow start, Brown torched Jalen Ramsey for a 78-yard touchdown catch that got the offense back in the game. Smith-Schuster had a heroic circus catch over loud mouth Ramsey that setup the second touchdown getting the Steelers within striking distance. Vance McDonald caught the touchdown!
The defense also woke up in the second half. After struggling to stop the Jaguars punishing running game, which racked up 141 yards in the first half, the front seven made adjustments and the Jaguars didn’t. The Steelers limited the Jaguars to just 38 yards in the second half and forced a three-and-out on the final four possessions.
Vince Williams was made for this type of game and he led the team with 10 tackles and a sack. T.J. Watt had two sacks and forced a fumble on each. Javon Hargrave had his best game of the season and set the point of attack with four tackles and two sacks.
Blake Bortles never completed a pass longer than 14 yards and most of his stuff was underneath. He finished with just 104 yards and was never able to convert on any third downs with his arm.
After an almost third straight embarrassing performance against the Jags the coaching staff did a great job adjusting and delivering a hard-fought victory. Putting the Steelers in a good position in the division.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: JuJu Smith-Schuster who in a common theme made the play of the game in the second half. Also Considered, Vince Williams who had a vintage Steelers linebacker performance.
Where I watched the game: In Jacksonville, at the Nexgen Grille Deck with KGB and our Steelers travel group. It was a rough game to watch and the Jaguars announcers were just crowing. The Steelers faithful dominated the Stadium. We had to leave before the end of the game to catch an early flight and listened to the winning drive on the radio. The Jags announcers were crestfallen.
My Stat of the week: 1-3 which is a personal stat! My record with KGB when traveling with Shadyside!
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers continue a tough stretch heading into the Mile High City! This should be a “bounce” back game.
This week’s Jersey: Joe Green, #75, My Gamer!
Sorry for the delay this week!