Beer We Go Steelers

For a few minutes on Sunday, it looked like everything was going to fall into place for the Steelers. The Patriots were losing and the Bengals were fighting back against the Rat-birds. But in the end, the Steelers settled for another hard fought victory and were unable to claim a higher seed than fifth.

It is very frustrating to finish second in the division, but it is also a badge of honor to win 12 games, which is what we predicted at BWG at the beginning of the season!  The Steelers had a very rough beginning this year and lost two of the first three, including a sound thrashing at the hands of the Ravens. They also lost several key players to injuries, but were able to hold on… and like they always do, they battled back and put together the 3rd best record in the AFC.

As for the Browns game, the Steelers had trouble scoring but really kept the Browns on the leash all day. Ben Roethlisberger, who sat out last week, played the entire game. He looked rusty and struggled at times but still led the key drives to victory; including a great end of the first half drive highlighted by a nifty catch by team MVP Antonio Brown. Sean Suisham hit a field goal and cut the lead to 6-3. The Steelers opened the second half with 10 points and never looked back. 

The dark news is that Rashard Mendenhall looks to be lost for the season with a possible ACL tear.  Mendenhall was on pace to break a thousand yards with a big effort Sunday, but went down with a knee injury. The Steelers will rely on Ike Redman who was having a terrific game before he fumbled on consecutive drives. John Clay becomes a very important person now. I also think the Steelers will try and bring in some help if Mewelde is out also.

The pass defense cemented its number one status as Troy Polamalu played a great game and looked like the dominant Troy; he had an interception and an amazing sack, he timed the snap count perfectly and was in the backfield on the snap of the ball. Ike Taylor battled Josh Cribbs all day and kept him in check. Cribbs is plain awesome, he made several special teams tackles, had some good catches, he also sells the hot dogs at half time and the beer in the stands between plays. The Steelers held the Browns to less the 180 yards passing and smacked up Peyton Hillis. Hillis finished with 30 yards on ten carries and was never a factor in the game.

The best highlight for BWG during the day was a little shuffle pass that actually lost 3 yards! Hines Ward caught his fifth pass of the day and now has 1000 catches in his career. This very well might be his last year with the Steelers, but we will be seeing him in Canton, Ohio soon! Hines IS an awesome player and for those who have missed it, is one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.  Keep an eye on him in the playoffs as I expect a huge swan song.

How about the job Mike Tomlin has done; this marks four out of five years that he won at least ten games. He has won 3 AFC North titles, Two Conference Championships and a Super Bowl in FIVE YEARS and we are still counting!!! He is truly a great successor to the Noll, Cowher Dynasty!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown, He was the team MVP and he went over 1000 yards yesterday. He is the first player in NFL history with 1000 Yards receiving and 1000 return yards! Also Considered: Troy Polamalu who was nuts yesterday, Hines Ward for catching his 1000th catch. 

Where I watched the game: Hanging with my family; my daughter Hailey, who is Steelers through and through, my sister Traci and her husband Andrew, who brought Tecate and Corona Light. We wailed down Pizza including Sicilian Pizza with Eggplant. (A great call by KGB) I was driving everyone nuts with the remote as I watched the game mix every commercial!

My thoughts on Next Week: TEBOW TIME. The Steelers will face Tebow Magic in Denver. This is not going to be as easy as it seems. Look for a tough game with the Steelers thwarting a Tebow Comeback. I have terrorized KGB and E-Roc all year about Tebow, so it is just that the Steelers end his season.