Beer We Go Steelers

On Friday of last week it was Christmas, the Steelers were the most feared team in football and all seemed right in the world. Then Sunday came and a season of great promise came crashing down around us. The Steelers tanked in Baltimore and threw their playoff hopes into disarray. Now Sunday in Cleveland is a must win and the Steelers need a Bills victory against the surging NY Jets. This loss against an extremely beatable Ravens team sent the Steelers from “The Team Nobody wants to play,” to the “Team that no one will have to play!”

The Steelers decided to pound the football and pound it they did running all over the Ravens and keeping them on their heels, that was the only good news of the day. The passing game never clicked and then the Steelers had way too many mistakes to overcome. Ben Roethlisberger looked lost all day, he was tentative and threw two killer interceptions and nearly threw a third which was a 106 yard pick six that was luckily negated by a Raven penalty. On top of that the Steelers were jobbed on an Antonio Brown touchdown which for whatever reason doesn’t count anymore in this years NFL. Add that up and you have your formula for an upset.

No one is more supportive than Beer We Go when it comes to Coach Tomlin. But here comes the however, I am very comfortable with the decision to run first and to leave points on the board by going for it on Fourth Down. He believes in the team and up to that point they ran all over the Ravens. What my issue is though, how many times have we heard this before. The Steelers losing to an inferior team who has double digit losses. To add insult to injury, the Steelers lose to what? A fourth string Quarterback, Ryan Mallet of “I over sleep and lose my job in the NFL fame!” Mallet comes off the STREET forget the bench and beats the Steelers. There is no excuse for that and everyone should be embarrassed.

The Steelers didn’t play bad which you could write off as a tough week. They played mediocre, which is worst because they looked like they were going through the motions. If one unit would have stepped up then this would be a different story. But everyone played poorly or put in D+ work, most weeks against double digit loss teams you can survive if half your units play like that, not when they ALL play like that.

I still believe in this team. But let me tell you something, I don’t see this ending well. The Jets are out for revenge against Rex Ryan and his team has all but quit on him. Cleveland would love to knock the Steelers out of the playoffs. We put ourselves in this mess, now we have to hope we survive it.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: DeAngelo Williams, who was literally the lone bright spot of the day! I considered skunking the Steelers this week but a guy grinds out 100 yards he deserves something. Also Considered: NO ONE ELSE!

Where I watched the game: This is a tricky question. We started at Buckley’s my local pub and the food and the service were of course lights out! Jason the bartender was awesome and Josh the chef was great. We had Teriyaki Bomb Wings (WHICH ARE AMAZING) and Chicken Nachos. KGB and I drank Sam Winter which was great. I even sucked down a Miller Lite for luck! But there were way to many obnoxious Jet fans and I stormed out at half time. We finished with the Tailgate Kids at the house who were happy we were home but just as angry and upset as we were at how badly the Steelers played. KGB is still pissed at me…and again I go to the always ready defense. “BUT BABE IT’S THE RAVENS!!”

My Stat of the week: 40%! What does 40% represent you ask? It represents the percentage of wins the Steelers make up of the Ravens victories this season. The Ravens are a woeful 5-10 and the Steelers are two of the five wins. That is a disgraceful stat. With two victories and keep in mind we blew the first game, after winning it like three times, we would be battling for the division and a first round bye, even with a split we are talking about going to the Playoffs and we would still be in the division race. Now that is officially over and the playoffs are in serious jeopardy.

My thoughts on Next Week: The Browns are not a walk in the park and the idea of knocking the Steelers out of the playoffs has to make this their Super Bowl. That being said, their is no way Coach Tomlin will let them sneak up on the Steelers, and look for the Steelers to put a massive whipping on them. I am talking “Biblical points” scored. We need to Rex Ryan “Big Mouth Magic” as well Sunday, so keep your fingers crossed!

Merry Christmas to BWG Nation! As has become tradition, to celebrate Christmas we like to give you the heads up on our Steelers Christmas haul for 2015. So here goes:

1. Terrible Towel…Beach Size, not that I would ever use it for that!

2. Roethlisberger. Workout shirt

3. Steelers Tire Tattoos

4. Steeler Tie

5. Steelers Suspenders

6. Steelers Knit Hat-Salute to the troops

7. Steelers Journal and Pens and Pocket Light

8. Steelers Lego Set (Including Trainers Cart) and the field

9. Stephon Tuitt Rookie card

Of course like in Miracle on 34th Street the one thing I absolutetly want won’t be under the tree. That’s a WIN over the Ratbirds.

Happy Immaculate Reception Day! This is the day the Steelers went from being perennial chumps to one of the NFL’s greatest franchises. It can be argued that the day Chuck Noll walked through the door it changed and that would be very fair. However, the Immaculate Reception is the day the Steelers got a little luck and it looked like fortune finally had come their way.

The Steelers shutout the Broncos in the second half and erased a 17 point deficit for a huge power shifting AFC win. It was a tale of two halves as the Steelers battled back after a very rocky first half.

Denver hadn’t scored an offensive touchdown in their previous 23 possessions, but after a very costly fumble on their first series, opened up with four consecutive touchdowns to take a 27-13 halftime lead. Manny Sanders was on pace to have a huge day as the Broncos converted eight straight 3rd downs. The Steelers pass rush  just couldn’t get to Ross Osweiler and the secondary kept missing assignments.

Whatever adjustments the Steelers made at halftime swung the game around and the Broncos didn’t score on their last nine possessions and went 1 for 9 on 3rd down conversions. It was a monumental task.

The offense had trouble with the front seven but again made the adjustments. Antonio Brown had a huge day reeling in 16 catches and absolutely abusing Pro Bowler Chris Harris Jr. The line protected Ben Roethlisberger and with the exception of a near fatal interception with two minutes left in the game. He finished 40 of 55 for 380 yards against the league’s No. 1 pass defense his fifth 300-yard game in the past six outings. The Steelers were the first team to put up 30 against the Broncos number 1 defense!

The coaches needed to make adjustments and they did, coming back from a 27-10 deficit to score 24 unanswered points, it is a testament to the strength of the Steelers coaching on both sides of the ball.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!!!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown, which was unanimous for myself and Captain Tailgate. He had a ridiculous 16 catch day. Also Considered: Ryan Shazier, who was scary good. Ben Roethlisberger who put up 380 yards against the Broncos number one ranked defense.

Where I watched the game: I have been staring home with the “Tailgate Kids” every week,  The beer of choice was Samuel Adams Cold Snap, which I am now 3-0 with (conserving my beer supply). We had sausage and peppers before the game started. KGB made homemade Egg Nog! Awesome game, awesome time.

My Stat of the week: 1-9 3rd Down conversions for the Broncos in the second half. The Steelers defense really stepped up in the 2nd half!

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers can afford to have no let up against a dangerous but seriously flawed Ravens team. This is payback. The Steelers are going to put a whipping on the Ravens.

The Steelers renewed one of the nastiest rivalries in sports, with a 33-20 whupping of the Bengals! In a game that looked more like a gang rumble than a football game at times the Steelers played a more disciplined game and came out on top with a big win. Vince Williams provided a spark with a pregame altercation with Vontaze Burfict and there were several skirmishes that continued the whole day.

The Steelers established the leaded early on a sustained drive of 11 plays that took up about six minutes and they never trailed again in the game. DeAngelo Williams pounded in the first of his two touchdowns. He chimed in for 76 tough yards and hasn’t showed signs of slowing down. He also added two catches and was a steadying force all day.

Ben Roethlisberger ran an efficient if unspectacular offense against the Bengals tough defense. He racked up a workmanlike 282 Yards, hitting five different targets including Heath Miller for 10 catches and Antonio Brown for 7 catches. He had plenty of time all day and get a great rhythm.

The defense had several key plays including, Stephon Tuitt’s game changing interception on the Bengals opening drive, the pick and his tackle of Tuitt sent Andy Dalton from the game with a thumb injury. Once AJ McCarron came in it was all over. Lawrence Timmons and Ryan Shazier keyed on the defense forcing McCarron to throw. The Steelers picked him off twice including a great pick six by Willie Gay that was setup by a bull rushing James Harrison. Gay jumped a hitch route and ran into the end zone. Robert Golden intercepted what would be the back breaker. The defense forced three turnovers that resulted in 17 points. It was a solid team effort.

I will say it in a win as well as a loss. THE REFS are terrible. Seriously, they had no control of the game and the calls they made on both sides were jerky at best.

The coaching deserves kudos as Mike Tomlin let the team be rough, but kept their discipline. They also easily proved who was the toughest team as they pushed around the Bengals. It was a must win for the Steelers and they did just that!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!!!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Stephon Tuitt, look I am prejudice towards the big guys and when they get the ball I love it, Tuitt’s play changed the whole game and he “swept the leg” on the Ginger Rocket Andy Dalton. Also Considered: Heath Miller who had ten tough catches. William Gay who had a great pick six but ruined it with a TERRIBLE dance.

Where I watched the game: I was home with the family and kids decorating for Christmas. (STILL)  The beer of choice was Samuel Adams Cold Snap, which I am now 2-0 with. We had Chicken and Potatoes and it was a great day! The kids had a two on two touch game before we started.

My Stat of the week: 17 points off three turnovers. Also four…Bengals getting sent to the locker room. Including Andy Dalton and Vontaze Burfict who got whupped on all day.

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers can sneak up on the Broncos, the rumor is that Peyton might be back. If the Steelers win this they almost guarantee themselves a playoff spot. Coach Tomlin knows that and will be ready.

The Steelers trailed 10-6 on Sunday night after a horrible start, in which they lost the opening kickoff on a fumble and DeAngelo Williams coughed up a fumble for the first time this season. Then they went to work! The Steelers cranked up a huge performance on both sides of the ball crushing the Colts 45-10.

As always it starts and ends with Ben Roethlisberger and he picked up where he left off last year. Tossing 364 yards and four touchdowns which all but ended the Colts night. Roethlisberger was 18 of 27 for 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half, thanks to five completions of 20 yards or longer. He looks like a mad bomber, as he tied Dan Fouts for consecutive 200 yard first half games. Roethlisberger hit 11 of his final 15 passes for 158 yards to end the first half.

It wasn’t just the Antonio Brown -Ben show, all the receivers were involved. Martavis Bryant had his third 100-yard receiving game including a 68 yard amazing circus catch. He is virtually unstoppable when he is focused. The Markus Wheaton resurgence continues as he put up a 50 yard game with a touchdown. Jesse James continues to improve as he contributed with 3 more catches.

DeAngelo Williams had a terrific game, despite his first two fumbles of the year, one in which he lost. He started slow but came through with 165 totals yards, 134 yards on the ground. He made several big plays and has been one of the best free agent acquisitions of all time. The offensive line played extremely especially Alejandro Villanueva who was dominant.

The defense started slow as well but came together and put a terrific effort together. The resurgent Matt Hasselbeck finally met up with father time as the Steelers hammered him and held him to under 200 yards passing. A week after coming off of a horrible performance in Seattle the Steelers picked off two passes and kept the colts in check after the first half. Brandon Boykin saw more of the field and had one of the picks. He will continue to press for playing time.

The front seven kept the Colts running game in check and kept Matt Hasselbeck off balance all day. It was a great bounce back game fo the linebackers. Jarvis Jones contributed with his first interception of the game and James Harrison roughed up the Colts O-line

The special teams had another rough night, with the exception of Little Bos. Boswell hit his first 50+ yard. Jacoby Jones will be out of work by weeks end after his latest performance. We are hoping for a Dri Archer comeback here! 🙂

Despite the special teams gaffe, It was a solid complete win!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Has to be Antonio Brown, he just absolutely took out all his frustration on Vontae Davis. He also “stuck the landing” on his end zone celebration which was hysterical yet not over the top. Also Considered: Ben Roethlisberger who had a monster game, DeAngelo Williams who has done a great job all season. Also considered James Harrison and Jarvis Jones for their work on defense.

Where I watched the game: Back at my house, while KGB put the Christmas lights on the tree, The beer of choice was Guinness Blonde and snacks were a minimum because of the time of the game. KGB and I cuddled on the couch and shared an Ice Cream Sunday and a few pints of beer!

My Stat of the week: 522 total yards! That is 1,066 total yards since the bye week! That is impressive.

My thoughts on Next Week: This is a must win for the Steelers, look for a huge bounce back win against the Bengals, the Steelers won’t catch them for the division but will put a “hurting” on them.

The Seahawks outlasted the Steelers as Russell Wilson out gunned Ben Roethlisberger in a wild shoot out in Seattle. The loss leaves the Steelers on the outside looking in at the playoffs right now.

It was a rough day for the defense but especially the secondary who were absolutely torched by Wilson. The Seattle QB passed for 345 yards and five touchdowns, but the real issue was the secondary just didn’t tackle. Ross Cockrell had a horrible game, and was beat on several plays, Will Allen looked slow and was out of position on several key plays and the question has to come up again, what is up with Antwon Blake. He couldn’t tackle and he was out of position on several plays as well he had just had an awful game.

The defensive line kept a tough Seahawks running game mostly in check, and Cam Heyward had another great game. He had a sack and a huge blocked PAT.  The pressure was okay but never great. The linebackers just couldn’t seem to get on track. Ryan Shazier came out with a concussion and they seemed off all day. Vince Williams did an excellent job, while he isn’t as good laterally as Shazier he was a thumper in the middle. Not enough big plays exposed a terrible secondary. I did like seeing Jarvis Jones and Bud Dupree together on the field and that looks like the next great combo for the Steelers, however they didn’t do enough Sunday.

Ben Roethlisberger had a very good day statistically as he attempted 55 passes — tied for third most in franchise history — and threw for 456 yards. He threw two interceptions, one that slipped from his hand and one that was completely bogus on a missed pass interference call when Richard Sherman pushed Antonio Brown to the ground. Big Ben left the game for the final series because he was tested for a concussion. Landry Jones came in again and had mixed results. He also threw a very questionable interception that the refs ruled on incorrectly.

The refs were atrocious AGAIN, missing several calls, and making several terrible calls. In this case you could clearly make a case that they altered the outcome of the game. I don’t want to blame the loss on the refs but they were again just awful!

Richard Sherman can claim “victory” as Antonio Brown had a quiet day, considering he got that extremely questionable interception, but the Steelers put up 490 yards passing and marched up and down the field on the “Legion of Boom”. Markus Wheaton had a MONSTER day racking up 9 catches for 200+ yards.

Mike Tomlin is getting grilled in the press for his “questionable” calls. All I can say is he coaches to win. Every call he made was justifiable and if the team executes he is a genius. Also I will say he absolutely has guts and the Steelers were one stop away from the upset of the week.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Was going to withold this because I was pissed about the result, but Markus Wheaton had disappeared for a few weeks and it was great to see what he can do, when called upon.  Also Considered: Steel Head Heyward, who was outstanding.

Where I watched the game: Back at my house, we had Rigatoni in a Sicilian sauce, I cooked and KGB took mercy on me for the cleanup so I could watch he game. The Beer of choice was fantastic from the Pennsylvania Brewing Company, Noble Pils. I highly recommend it.

My Stat of the week: Ben has thrown and interception in five straight games. Two this week were converted to 14 points.

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers will beat the Colts in a shootout. But this is no pushover game. Look for the Colts to hang in there all game long.

Because of the Bye Week, this is technically the 3/4 season report.

What has gone right? 

Despite several key injuries, the Steelers sit in second place and well within striking distance of the first place Bengals. The Steelers have to wonder if they played the Bengals full strength or if they closed out the Ravens what might have been. Either way, I am very happy where they sit.

Antonio Brown has been the lynch pin of the offense. To say he has been a playmaker is like saying Picasso painted a little. He has been amazing.

Signing D’Angelo Williams might be the best offensive free agent acquisition ever. He has more than picked up the slack and losing Le’Veon has been rough but Williams has done a great job!

The front seven still is a work in progress, but they have EVERYTHING they need to make a great second half run. I like what we are seeing especially on the D-Line. The Linebacker has put together a solid performance as well.

The Offensive line has been excellent. The protection packages are really working well. Keep in mind the Steelers lost their starting Center and starting Left Tackle. Cody Wallace and Alejandro Villanueva are both doing well in fill-in roles. That is a tribute to not only the scouting department, but to Coach Munchak, he should be the Mayor of Pittsburgh. He has done a great job!

Ben Roethlisberger when healthy has been outstanding. Landry Jones was a nice surprise this season as well. Despite lagging stats Landry for all intents and purposes saved the season, when he came in for a struggling Michael Vick. The Steelers needed a split in Ben’s absence and got it!

What has gone wrong?

Injuries have been awful again, this is the exact comment I typed last year. Well last year was a picnic compared to this year. The Steelers lost their starting running back, starting QB for four games, their Pro Bowl Center, their left tackle, starting Middle Linebacker, Starting Defensive End and a host of defensive players for all or part of the season.

The secondary is “leaky” at best and the Achilles heel for the Steelers right now. Too many conversions on big plays. They rank 27th oin pass defense but they have employed a bend but don’t break strategy. They need to step it up in a big way. Where is Brandon Boykin? What was the point of trading for him, if he is never going to see the field!

The special teams cost the Steelers big time. Josh Scobee was a nightmare. Dri Archer played his way off the team.

Reasons for Concern: The secondary could be what derails a promising season. Injuries, if the Steelers take on anymore injuries the season is over.

Offensive Game Beer: Has to be Antonio Brown again or the second year, he has been spectacular and stepped up when needed, he has 79 catches (including 17 against the Raiders) and 1100+ yards receiving. He is also a great teammate! He beats out D’Angelo Williams who has been a savior.

Defensive Game Beer: Cam “Steel Head” Heyward has put together a great performance. He is tough as they come and the anchor of the Defensive line. Also considered, Mike Mitchell who is the best performer in the secondary.

Disappointment of the first half: Losing to the F-ing Ravens, in a game the Steelers clearly had won. It was a mental let up and seriously inexcusable. The Steelers had breakdowns on all sides of the ball at key times. If they pull that one out, they are one game out with a second shot at the Bengals.

Most Improved: I am going Jarvis Jones who is starting to round into form. He will press for my playing time. The pass rush in general is 100% better than it has been in years. Mike Mitchell was coming off a disappointing first year, now he looks pretty tough.

GRADES:

QB: A-, Big Ben has played well when not injured, He gives the Steelers a chance to win every week. Landry Jones has done a good job when called upon, Michael Vick has been a disappointment.

RB: A-, This could have been an A+ if Le’Veon wasn’t injured. He performed well in his limited time. D’Angelo Williams has been great as we wrote earlier, we love that guy. Will Johnson has done his usual good job, Roosevelt Nix has been extremely fun to watch as a smash mouth fullback. Someone else needs to step up, so D’Angelo doesn’t run out of gas. Being a Native New Yorker I am calling D’Angelo the D-Train!

WR: A-, They have a Superstar in Antonio Brown, who has been a force. Martavis Bryant needs to continue to improve but absolutely is a tremendous player with ridiculous upside. Where has Markus Wheaton gone? We need him back! Darrius Heyward-Bey did well at the beginning but seems to have faded. Also, look for Sammy Coates to press for playing time.

TE: B+, Heath Miller has played extremely well and is the unsung hero of the offense. He is Matt Spaeth has filled his roll well. Jesse James is pressing for playing time and could be a pass catching threat.

OL: B+, The line has played extremely well, considering two of their best starters are out. Cody Wallace brings attitude in the absence of Maurkice Pouncey, Alejandro Villanueva, has ton a very job considering his experience. The rest of the line has performed well.

DL: B+, Heyward and Tuitt are excellent bookends. McClendon has done well in the middle and they have become the anchor of the Steelers defense. Look for Mt. McCullers to press for playing time.

LB: B-, If you took out the Raiders game and the Chiefs game this could be an A performance. But the LB’s were non-existent in those games. Otherwise, they have played well and the coaching has done a great job moving players in and out. I love the Dupree-Harrison outside combo. Timmons and Shazier are spectacular in the middle. The Steelers are deep and this will be what makes or breaks the season. The Steelers rank fifth in run defense.

DBs: C, The secondary has some issues. William Gay have been doing okay. Mike Mitchell has been a playmaker and looks like a great addition. Will Allen is holding his own but for how much longer. Antwon Blake has struggled.  Ross Cockrell has been a nice find. Cortez Allen is most likely done as a Steeler. This is what can undo the whole season. I would like to see Shamarko Thomas and Brandon Boykin see the field.

Coaching: A-, I love this coaching staff! Make no mistake about it, they play to win and they have done a great job juggling injuries and non-performance of key players. (Josh Scobee nearly ruined us) While it may have been “foolish”, winning MNF against the Chargers with a Wildcat formation and Le’Veon Bell was gutsy and downright exciting. Great job!

What does part two look like: The Steelers have the division within reach and the Wild Card in their grasp already if they play well. Given what the schedule looks like, 4-2 is reasonable to ask which puts the Steelers at 10-6 and in the playoffs as the North winner or the AFC’s first wild card. The last wild card spot is still attainable at 3-3. But the Steelers really need four wins to guarantee the playoffs. Maybe it is a death wish, but I want the Patriots in the playoffs! A rematch is what I am asking for, also need to put a complete hurting on the Ravens and Bengals in the regular season.

BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!

The best “backup” in football, Ben Roethlisberger came off the bench and wrecked the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers go into the bye with a big win against the arch rival Browns. It was a huge day for Ben Roethlisberger, who wasn’t even supposed to play, but was called to duty when seven plays into the game Landry Jones injured his ankle. Big Ben completed 18 of 23 passes for 286 yards and two TDs in the first half and finish with and amazing 379 yards, a new NFL record for a quarterback coming off the bench!

It was obvious once Ben was pressed into duty, the game plan was to attack deep and get the ball out quickly. The line did a great job protecting Ben and the Browns only had one sack. He was rarely bothered and his lack of mobility never really played a factor. The Browns were intent on stopping the run which completely opened up the passing game.

The Browns secondary had no answer for Antonio Brown or Martavis Bryant, Todd Haley and Ben Roethlisberger basically sent either one deep on almost every series and stretched the Browns out. Bryant finished with a monster 178 Yards and made several big plays, he had a costly fumble but more than made up for it. Antonio Brown had nine catches including a 56 yard touchdown where he stuck the landing on a full front flip, that will be almost as famous as his “Karate Kid” impersonation last year. Both Heath Miller and Jesse (Don’t call me Heath) James chipped in with some nice production. The ghost of Markus Wheaton appeared and he had two very tough and solid catches. If he can get going this offense will once again be unstoppable. It was a great day for the passing game.

DeAngelo Williams had 54 of the toughest yards you have ever seen on the ground. The Browns were keyed in on him and he finally started to break loose in the second half. The Steelers need to be better with the distribution of the workload. Williams goes into the bye week for a much needed break. The Steelers need to factor in Jordan Todman more or they need to use Will Johnson in the tailback roll with Roosevelt Nix as the blocker. William needs some respite.

After a rough week against the Raiders the defensive front was back to being unstoppable. They held the Browns to 15 yards of total rushing on 14 carries and seven runs of 0 or negative yards in the first half, including five for losses. The linebackers contributed three sacks, the biggest by Ryan Shazier in the red zone after the Browns got to the Steelers 1 on a Johnny Manziel run for your life play. Jarvis Jones had his best game of the season with a sack and a fumble recovery. He played extremely tough against All Pro Joe Thomas. Stephon Tuitt and Steelhead Heyward each had sacks and Heyward was held on nearly every play. Will Allen also contributed a sack, and Arthur Moats had a sack negated as he literally tried to rip Johnny Manziel’s head off his shoulders with a wicked face mask.

The secondary had a bend but don’t break philosophy and kept the Browns contained for the most part. Mike Mitchell continues his fantastic season with a huge red zone interception. He snatched a Manziel pass in the end zone. The Steelers secondary hasn’t been spectacular but seem to make the plays when needed. Will Allen has been a nice steadying force back there and besides his sack he also had 11 tackles and made some big plays.

“Little Bos” had his first miss of the year, but continues to be a nice addition. Inversely, Jacoby Jones was awful again.

The referees also were way to involved in the game. They completely over officiated the game but allowed so much holding up front.

In the end the Steelers whipped up on a game but over matched Cleveland Browns team and head into the bye for rest!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Has to be Ben Roethlisberger, who came off the bench and absolutely lit the Browns up, He did some job in relief. Also Considered: Antonion Brown who had 10 catches and a sports center highlight we will see for a long time. Cameron Heyward and Will Allen were also considered.

Where I watched the game: Back at my house, with KGB on my arm and my kids and the neighborhood kids. KGB whipped up Macaroni and Cheese bites as the game snack, I cooked Sausage and Peppers over Spaghetti for our dinner. I had to do the prep work during half time. The Beer of choice was Long Ireland Pumpkin and it was outstanding! The kids threw the ball around outside as it was a great day. Alex Janicki attended his first game and did great according to BWG founder Tom! We were very happy for him!

My Stat of the week: 379 Yards, Bens total yardage as the greatest relief performance in the history of football. While it is a little dubious, I couldn’t be happier for Ben.

My thoughts on Next Week: The much needed Bye Week taking KGB on a “football vacation”! I will be publishing the “Mid Year” Report mist likely Friday so check back! If not definitely Monday!

The Steelers picked up a very hard fought victory, but again at a heavy cost as Ben Roethlisberger went down. With my entire immediate family in attendance and with a great crowd the Steelers pulled out the win after a crazy fourth quarter.

It was a huge day for DeAngelo Williams filling in for injured Le’Veon Bell. He banged out a career-high 170 yards on 27 carries and scored two touchdowns and also caught two passes for 55 yards. He also had a huge 53-yard run that set up the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and he carried three times for 37 yards on the winning field goal drive, including almost winning when he was pushed out of the one yard line. As great as his day was, he didn’t put up the best numbers on the field!

That was Antonio Brown, who absolutely lit up the Raiders! He put together best statistical game in franchise history with an unbelievable 17 catches for 284 yards including a 57-yard catch with 0:45 remaining to set up the winning field goal. Brown had 10 catches for 180 yards in the first half including receptions of 59 and 41 yards that set up touchdowns. He had a tremendous day. Martavis Bryant and the rookie Jesse James also contributed with TD catches.

Ben Roethlisberger looked a little rusty but trusted his playmakers to get him out of trouble. He finished with 334 yards passing before an injury to his foot sent him from the game. Landry Jones relieved him and he came away with game winning drive, setting up a “Little” Bos field goal for the win.

With the HUGE exception of the sack, that sent Ben from the game, the Offensive line completely dominated the Raiders up front. Coming into the game the Raiders had the number two run defense in the league…I am guessing not anymore. Khalil Mack was shutout and had no tackles and was non existent all game.  The Steelers rushed for 195 yards and averaged 6.5 yards per carry!

The defense had a very strange and uneven game. The score didn’t indicate how they played. They made several big plays especially Mike Mitchell who forced a key fumble after a Steelers turnover. In all the secondary helped force four turnovers. Nickel back Ross Cockrell had a big interception in the end zone which should have sealed the game. Antwon Blake and William Gay hung tough the whole day.

The linebackers and defensive line were non-existent all day. The Raiders gashed the Steelers both running the ball, and David Carr did an excellent job nullifying the Steelers pass rush with quick  throws. It was obvious the game plan was to throw the Steelers off balance and they had a hard time adjusting to Carr’s tempo.

The special teams made one of the biggest plays on the day and it was actually a positive one! Roosevelt Nix drilled Taiwan Jones and Anthony Chickillo recovered the fumble, setting up another touchdown 49 seconds later for a 35-21 lead. Little Bos had his first miss of the year but came through when the Steelers needed him for the victory!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: DUH Antonio Brown, who just lit up the board on Sunday, the performance speaks for itself. Also Considered: DeAngelo Williams who chewed up the ground game! Seriously, they were unstoppable.

Where I watched the game: At Heinz Field baby! Awesome tailgate with the Beer We Go Steelers, Original Chapter at the “Terrible Bra and Grille”. Absolutely phenomenal. This years special guest was none other than Frenchy Fuqua, who was a cool a character as there has ever been. This included kissing KGB’s hand and speaking french to her. The Beer of choice was IC Light of course and we drank Yuengling in the Game. The Beer of choice for the “Tailgate Kids” including “Little Miss Tailgate” was Barqs Root Beer! KGB and I had a great time as did our five kids. Tom Janicki was a gracious host and shared his cape with the kids during the game! E-Rock and I whiffed though on meeting Mark Davis (Raiders Owner) at the end!

My Stat of the week: 17 monster catches for Antonio Brown, the new Steelers record! Absolutely a great player and someone to watch.

My thoughts on Next Week: There is some intrigue because with out Ben this could be a Johnny Football v. Landry Rematch from their college days for Texas and OU. While the Browns are in trouble, it is easy to forget that they decimated the Steelers last time they played. The Steelers will grind this one out, but trust me, this is no cake walk, especially without Ben!