The Steelers handled the Jaguars to improve to 10-0!
It had all the makings of the classic trap game, the Steelers were coming off a big win against a division rival, a major national televised game against their ultimate division rival the following week, playing an unknown quarterback for a team that the Steelers historically struggle against. It didn’t happen. Mike Tomlin had the team prepared and kept everything in perspective, the result was never really in doubt after the first quarter and the Steelers remained perfect on the season.
The defense started the first drive slow, feeling out the Jaguars and yielding a field goal on the opening drive. They then held Jacksonville off the board for the next 49 minutes and three seconds. The game plan was to run the ball with James Robinson and the Steelers had the answer stacking the box. Vince Williams and Cam Heyward each had five tackles stopping the running game. Tyson Alualu, in his Jacksonville return, had a pass deflection that led to an interception. Robert Spillane continues to play well. Bud Dupree and Stephon Tuitt each registered a sack, continuing the current sack street at 66 games. The front seven kept the onus on Jake Luton and harassed him all day. He didn’t have the tools or the weapons to pull off the upset.
Luton completed only 16 passes for a paltry 151 yards and was picked four times. The secondary handcuffed the Jaguars and they had very little success passing. Terrel Edmunds had the best game of his career with four tackles and two interceptions. He showed his total skillset in stopping the run. Minkah Fitzpatrick also had two interceptions including a red zone pick that he returned for 37 yards setting up a Steelers touchdown. It was a very well-played game by the defense.
The offense worked at reestablishing the run, and for the most part they did just that. James Conner led the team with 89 yards on the ground and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. The offense cracked 100 yards on the day behind a solid effort. There was room to run and the Steelers didn’t abandon the run after starting slow. The Steelers use of the jet sweep the last two weeks had been ineffective.
Ben Roethlisberger put together a masterful if unspectacular performance. He passed for 267 yards and two touchdowns, hitting seven different receivers. His only blemish was an interception late in the first half. Diontae Johnson terrorized the Jaguars in the first half and finished the day with 12 receptions for 111 yards. Chase Claypool had a big day scoring his 10th touchdown of the season on a 31-yard catch, he finished with four receptions for 59 yards. Eric Ebron pitched in with another touchdown.
Special teams had a good day. After missing his first field goal of the season, “Little Bos” chipped in with two. The returns team protected the football on an onside kick. The Jordan Berry revival continues, he pinned the Jaguars inside their twenty twice and flipped the field on a 55-yard punt. He had only one miscue with a touchback late in the game.
The refs who have been a sore spot all season, simply let the teams play unless it was an egregious call. It kept the flow of the game going and made for a better viewing experience.
Give the coaching staff credit. They have had the right game plan for the Jaguars and there was no sense of let up during the game. The Jaguars after the first drive and ensuing onside kick try were out manned and the game plan played out exactly the way the coaching staff intended it to.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Have to go with Diontae Johnson, he was clearly the go to receiver and he led the team in catches and yards. Also Considered: Terrell Edmunds, who continues to improve his game and step up with two interceptions. James Conner, who got back on track Sunday. “The MAC guys” who all contributed and good naturedly ribbed Coach Tomlin after the win.
Where I watched the game: We were at the house. The “Steel the other team’s snacks”, was Cuban Sandwich Sliders that KGB made, they served on Hawaiian Rolls with honey mustard. Keeping with the warm weather Jacksonville theme, the beer this week was Narraganset “Del’s Shandy” 16 oz pounders, that I had been saving for the last few months. KGB went back to “Mother Pumpkin Ale” with a cinnamon sugar rim and Dante had his White-Rock Root Beer! We were happy to welcome back Little Miss Tailgate Hailey for her first game day with us this season! The pressure was on for a victory.
My Stat of the week: 106 yards for the much-maligned rushing game. The Steelers have “struggled” to run the ball this season and Sunday they looked like they got back on track. James Conner averaged 6.8 yards per carry. When the Steelers commit to the run, they can run it.
My Thoughts on next week: As in three days from today. The Steelers can really step on the Ravens’ neck and not only put them out of this year’s division race, they can put them out of the playoff picture altogether. With Covid the schedule has been unforgiving and playing Thursday after a road game is tough. Mike Tomlin has done an excellent job this year keeping the Steelers focused. Look for the usual battle.
This week’s Jersey: Merril Hoge #33, Away White, one of the true gentleman to ever wear a Steelers jersey, always proud to honor Hogee!