Happy New Year! The Steelers came out flat and once again had to rally from 14 points down, to beat a game but outmanned Cleveland Browns team. While the game meant nothing for the standings or the playoff picture, it was a nice effort coming back and the Steelers overcame several mistakes.
The game plan was to run the ball and the Brown were ready for it, stacking as many as nine men in the box and completely shutting down the running game. DeAngelo Williams struggled in his return but still managed three great plays, two of which saved the Steelers from a safety. He also bounced outside on a 14-yard touchdown catch and plowed into the End Zone.
In the second half the handcuffs came off and Landry Jones put together a solid effort, rallying the Steelers twice. He brought the offense back from a 14-0 deficit and then orchestrated the game winning drive in overtime to keep the win streak going, including a fourth down conversion. He threw for 215 of his 277 yards and two of his three touchdowns, including the winning 26-yarder, in the second half and overtime, respectively.
Jones’s main weapon was Eli Rogers who pulled in six catches, chipping in also was Demarcus Ayers who had an 11-yard touchdown and Cobi Hamilton who had the winning 26-yarder. Veteran, Darrius Heyward-Bey had only one catch, but it went for 46 yards and setup the go ahead TD, he stretched out the field all day. But more importantly, he produced the biggest play of the game, forcing a fumble and a touchback on Briean Boddy-Calhoun.
The defense struggled most of the day, but made the plays when needed. The Browns had little troubled running the football and torched the Steelers on the ground with 231 yards rushing. The Steelers responded forcing an Isiah Crowell fumble, and holding the Browns out of the end zone on the first overtime drive, forcing the field goal.
The linebackers played well, Ryan Shazier had a huge game changing interception and Jarvis Jones made a play to stay with a team putting together a terrific effort that included a batted ball, a sack and a big forced fumble. Bud Dupree was all over Robert Griffin III and had a sack. Mt. McCullers, came across at the goal line and absolutely crushed RGIII on a big sack.
Despite, a mediocre effort, the Steelers once again came back and were able to beat the Browns, extending their win streak to seven, in a game they didn’t need. They also converted on a huge fourth down to drive for the win!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Landry Jones, he put together a terrific second half performance once the handcuffs came off! Also considered: Jarvis Jones, who had a terrific performance after sitting out the last few weeks. Demarcus Ayers and Cobi Hamilton for excellent fill in performances.
Where I watched the game: At the house, KGB and I watched again with the Tailgate Kids. She made the dinner this week, Rigatoni Ala Vodka with garlic bread, it was outstanding! Since this was a “rest” week, I drank Iron City and a Sam Adams beer called “Session Ale”. Sam Adams continues to make outstanding and complex beers, I truly enjoyed it.
Anyone, who feel’s this isn’t a rivalry anymore, needed to watch that game. It was amazing how the mood changed from no one caring if we won, to almost a resolute attitude that we HAD to win! I texted with my buddy Bill all day and the Janick, again with a definite mood change from no pressure to WE MUST WIN! KGB had the quote of the day, “Are we really going to lose to the Browns?” The Steelers answered no!
My Stat of the week: 103.1 – Landry Jones QB rating for Sundays game, yes it was against the Browns, yes he made some mistakes, but he had a nice accounting of himself and finished the season with an 86.3 rating. Keep in mind he played without the Steeler two best playmakers! He certainly was the best QB on the field Sunday and he will get some looks in the offseason.
My Thoughts on next week: REVENGE, I prayed for another shot at Miami and here it is! I would like to see some of their jag-off fans again too, especially the drunks who were heckling us in the parking lot. The Steelers were ill prepared for their first meeting and put a damper on my trip with KGB. That won’t happen twice and look for the Steelers to run these guys over and win convincingly!
This week’s Jersey: Franco Harris, #32 Salute to Service, I was supposed to wear it on “Immaculate Reception Day”, but happy to have it as my last week of “Teams for Troops”!