Beer We Go Steelers

After suffering a tough loss last Sunday, the Steelers came out swinging. With two excellent drives to start the game and some timely defense they leaped over the Bengals in the AFC North standings and quieted some of their critics. 

The Steelers rocketed out to a 14 point lead behind two excellent drives. The first being a well balanced eight play, 54 yard drive, culminating in a Jericho Cotchery TD. The Second was a nine play, 78 yard drive finished off by Rashard Mendenhall.

The Steelers appeared to be in control until “The Red Rocket or “Red Rifle” or whatever “Ginger” QB Andy Dalton is called, whipped a great pass into the end zone to exciting rookie AJ Green. He deserves credit because they beat solid coverage to pull the Bengals within 7.

The Steelers then made a huge error and let the Bengals climb right back in, when usually sure handed Heath Miller bobbled and easy catch that was picked off by Leon Hall. The Bengals mustered a nice drive but were stalled and settled for a Mike Nugent field goal.

The Steelers rallied late in the first half and Big Ben played another great series moving the ball and converting on several big 3rd down situations. He hit Jericho Cotchery for what look like a huge TD, but it was called back on a nonsense penalty on Heath Miller. The Steelers settled for three off Suisham’s toe and a seven point lead at the half.

Give credit to Antonio Brown who had a terrific day and just gets better every week. He banged out 5 catches for 86 yards to lead the team. He made several huge catches that kept drives alive.

These are not the Bungles anymore and they tied the game on their opening drive of the second half. It looked like it possibly could be a repeat of last week as Dalton moved the ball well and the Steelers struggled again to get off the field on third down…but then the Steelers had enough.

The Steelers offense and defense showed up again. Ben put together a great no huddle drive that ate up most of the 3rd quarter, and Rashard Mendenhall, who had flashes, busted a tough, tackle breaking, nine yard touchdown run for the decisive score.

It was time for the defense to answer the bell and they did…twice. Forcing two turnovers the first an interception by Lawrence Timmons and then one by Willie Gay that basically decided the game! It was a hard played well deserved win for the Steelers.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: William Gay; After what had to be a hard week of getting killed by the fans, Gay came out and played a great game and stopped the driving Bengals in their tracks with excellent coverage. Everyone gets knocked down, not everyone gets up. Also Considered: Antonio Brown, who made several huge catches, Jericho Cotchery, who should have had two TD catches. He is making the most of his opportunity.

Where I watched the game: Back at KGB’s where we had a quiet afternoon. The beer of choice, had to be IC Light. Pittsburgh Brewing may be on hard times, but IC is the life blood of the ‘Burgh. The Captain was drinking IC and so was I. He was grillin’ up steaks and spending time with his family.

My thoughts on Next Week: BYE WEEK. Only disappointment is I will miss the Rochester Steelers crew as I travel next week! 

God Bless the brave men and women of the US military!