The Steelers came back and beat Buffalo to open the 2021 Season….
It wasn’t always pretty but in the end the Steelers started the season off right with a tough and hard-fought victory over AFC powerhouse Buffalo Bills, with a 17-point fourth quarter. The defense was tough all game, the offense was a work in progress and in the end the special teams rebounded with the play of the game.
The front seven wreaked havoc all day, his numbers don’t show it, but Melvin Ingram was dominant and provided pressure all game, despite dealing with constant holding. Alex Highsmith also was tough, and his development continues, the numbers didn’t tell the story. Even without Stephon Tuitt, the defensive line had a great rotation and provided tremendous run support and pressure. Cam Heyward had a monster sack and kept a tough Josh Allen in place. Fresh off his new contract, T.J. Watt didn’t disappoint putting together two sacks a forced fumble, despite being double teamed all day. The refs literally could have called holding all day.
Except for one play, a 37-yard completion to Gabriel, the secondary blanketed the Bills and stayed consistent in coverage. Stephon Diggs never got off, Manny Sanders played well but was contained most of the day. Cam Sutton made the second biggest play of the game, sniffing out a big run on fourth down, tackling Matt Breida for a loss.
The biggest play of the game was authored on special teams by Miles Killebrew, blocking Matt Haack’s punt and allowing Ulysees Gilbert to recover for a touchdown. The play put the Steelers up by two scores with just under 10 minutes left. Chris Boswell put up a big day drilling three field goals, with the last one being the game clincher a 45-yarder with 2:42 left. Pressley Harvin III looked great at some points hitting a boomer for 51 yards and looked okay at others. After allowing a big opening play, the Special Teams adjusted nicely.
The offense is and looks like it will be a work in progress. The offensive line struggled to get any kind of rhythm, finding very little room to run and Ben Roethlisberger, never really had time to get set and throw down field. He played a very smart game, never panicking or forcing anything.
Najee Harris never left the field and while the numbers weren’t great, he clearly adds an element to the offense that was missing. The receivers next to the linebackers look like a clear strength. Diontae Johnson returned to his darkest NFL moment (Four drops in Buffalo last year) and made a spectacular catch for the Steelers first touchdown.
It would be easy to under estimate this win, but the Steelers beat the AFC East Champions in their own building in front of a raucous Bill’s crowd after getting off to a terrible start. That takes great coaching and a belief in the game plan!
Great Win!
Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Ben Roethlisberger, He never panicked and was completely under control and made the big plays when he needed it, I confess to being a little bit nostalgic on this one. Also Considered: T.J. Watt who was a wrecking crew. Diontae Johnson who made a great catch for the first touchdown, Miles Killebrew for the blocked punt.
Beer of the Game: (NEW SECTION): The opening game requires a classic. Iron City Light, which I drove to Pennsylvania to get back in August. What can you say it is a classic for a reason, served it ice cold out of the can!
“Steel the Snacks”: Homemade Buffalo Chicken sliders, since Anchor Bar and Duffs are the inventor of hot wings, what better snack could you ask for! KGB made them and did everything from scratch.
My Stat of the week: Going with17 points in the fourth quarter to seal a victory. It was another double-digit comeback!
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers return to Heinz Field with what I imagine will be a raucous capacity crowd. Since the Raiders play tonight, not sure what to expect, will try and update this later in the week.
This week’s Jersey: Ben Roethlisberger, 7, Fashion jersey, I felt nostalgic as this certainly is close to being his last opening week.