The Steelers survived a rough offensive output with some timely plays and a stout Steelers defense in their win over the hapless Bengals. The biggest story will be the benching of Mason Rudolph in favor of the “Duck” Devlin Hodges, a move that temporarily sparked the offense.
While that will be the story, it was the defense that carried the Steelers. It started up front with a very big day by Cam Heyward. He had a sack, six hurries and made backside tackles on the Gio Bernard. Mark Barron and Devin Bush both played well and seem to be settling into their roles with the team. Barron chipped in with a sack and six tackles. Bush had a game changing strip of Tyler Boyd, after he was burned for a big play. Minkah Fitzpatrick recovered and ran it back, turning the tide in the game. Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt might be the best tandem in the NFL right now, chipping with two sacks and two forced fumbles, with the last one being the game breaker!
The offensive line struggled in protection but finally opened some running lanes. With James Conner out, Benny Snell had a very big game finishing with 98 yards and all but icing the game after the fumble recovery. It is good to see power running of the football again. The Steelers finished with over 160 yards on the ground. Kerrith Whyte came off the couch and chipped in with 43 yards!
The controversy this week will be the benching of Mason Rudolph. Since his return from a concussion, he hasn’t been the same player. He was erratic and lacks pocket presence. He was 8-16 and only 85 yards against one of the worst defenses in football. Devlin Hodges contrary to popular belief wasn’t much better.
A BIG play by James Washington was the difference maker in the passing game. Washington finished with only three catches one of which was a great catch and run of 79 yards! It was a very big stiff arm that will make all the highlight reels. Another off the couch guy Deon Cain had a big 35-yard reception! Diontae Johnson is coming into his own. What happened to Vance McDonald and Nick Vannett?
The special teams once again an asset, for the most part! Jordan Berry flipped the field on two occasions and had seven punts all of which were timely and trapped the Bengals. “Little Bos”, Chris Boswell is almost all the way back!
Give Mike Tomlin credit, he made a big call going to Hodges and these are games the Steelers usually get distracted in. He will be answering questions all week about who will start v. the Browns.
The refs ARE HORRIBLE! Seriously, the only good thing, is they stink both ways. The Steelers benefitted on a very big call as Mason Rudolph should have been flagged for grounding which would have been a safety and the pass interference rule is inconsistent and over the top now!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Mike Tomlin, I am a “Tomlin Guy” but also feel I am fair, this is the type of game the Steelers struggle in. Tomlin made several good calls yesterday in the game, that were bold and got the job done. He has done a tremendous job this season and deserves credit. Also Considered: Cam Heyward, who was ALL over the field and played a great game! Benny Snell Jr. who just missed running for over 100 yards. Jordan Berry, who had a ridiculous seven punts, his play flipped the field more than once.
Where I watched the game: At the house, With the Tailgate kid D-Man and KGB! Yesterday was Buffalo Chicken Empanadas and homemade Guacamole. Beer of choice for me was the IC-Light I brought back from the ‘Burgh. KGB had Corona Light and D-man had Barqs Root Beer!
My Stat of the week: I am going with 26.5 which was Devlin Hodges Quarterback Rating…So before we go writing off Mason Rudolph, that is not exactly Ben Roethlisberger territory.
My Thoughts on next week: BLOODBATH. The refs are going to be on high-alert and this is going to be a grudge match. The Browns look like they are peaking, and the Steelers are treading water…that being said, look for the Steelers to edge them out! Any loss for the Browns is the end…lets see the Steelers get the best revenge possible!
This week’s Jersey: Franco Harris, #32 Salute to Service, for the last game in November, thought this was appropriate.