Steelers and Big Ben Defeat Falcons: Post-Game Reaction
Pittsburgh Steelers finish 8-8. As fans, we’ve heard that phrase too many times in the last three seasons and were in fear that this team would once again fall to that fate based on inconsistent play and poor showings against a few sub-.500 teams.
8-8. No more.
This team hung together all season, with their egos more battered and bruised than some of the players placed on IR this season. This was a statement win – yes against the 5-8 Flacons. It was a much needed road win, a win against a sub-.500 and ultimately struggling team, a win that guarantees a ‘winning season,’ and ultimately a win that puts them one step closer to stamping their ticket to the postseason.
It was a win orchestrated by the man they’ve been riding the whole season. No, not the young stud, Le’Veon Bell. It was their veteran and franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. From the first play of the game (a forward pass to Antonio Brown!), Ben looked sharp. He would finish the game with a 77% completion rate and 360 yards. Surprising that he finished with no touchdowns. It was the Ben that at least the non-haters love, yet still the Ben that will hardly get a lick of credit for this win.
“When it’s a win, it’s a team win. When it’s a loss, it’s the QB’s fault.”
Boy, if that ever doesn’t describe the way #7 is treated by Steeler Nation to a “T.” Hang this win around Ben’s neck – he deserves full credit. One sack, no turnovers, smart decisions, crisp throws, leadership. Helps when his receiving core catch the passes that are thrown to them, too.
When all cylinders are clicking on that play and DeCastro gets a solid seal block, it’s money… and 6 points for Bell like it was late in the 3rd quarter for 13 yards and the score.
We can’t ignore Bell in this win either. He finished with only 47 yards on the ground (two of which resulted in touchdowns), but had some very nice runs off of screen passes that netted another 74 yards. Just another day above 100 yards of total offense and scoring some points. So much for becoming the only player in NFL history to have three consecutive games of over 200 yards of offense. I’ll settle for the tie with Walter Payton any day. I wonder if Walter Payton picked up the blitz as well as Bell does?
For the record, that counter play that pulls DeCastro to the left side – you know, the one that tormented the Bengals last week – is a sweet vision to behold. When it gets about 80% efficiency in execution, it nets Bell at least five yards. When all cylinders are clicking on that play and DeCastro gets a solid seal block, it’s money… and 6 points for Bell like it was late in the 3rd quarter for 13 yards and the score. The Falcons ‘containment’ of Bell in the run game only placed more emphasis on the importance of Ben Roethlisberger. That’s why you can’t have a game manager type quarterback. That’s why you can’t draft a Landry Jones. You need a talented and aggressive QB that will win you games, not prevent losses.
What would be fantastic is if the Steelers (and by that I mean Haley) could figure out a way to start games strong. Once again the offense started the game with some solid drives that stalled once they reached the 30 yard line. This team would be unstoppable if they could only solve that paradox. For instance why did it take all the way until the end of the game on a 3rd and 1 for Haley to call a gutsy (and great) call for a play action that left Heath Miller wide open down the middle for a huge gain?
That right there is why that man is so frustrating and scorned by so many – including myself. That kind of aggressive play call could have happened much sooner in that final drive and even much sooner in the game to put the dagger in the Falcons. You know, it’s scary to think what personality battles go on within the mind of Todd Haley on a daily basis.
So onto this defense. Cue the broken record. Well, it’s true. It’s the same stuff every week all season, and it will continue to be so until there are some major changes that take place on this defense. Dick LeBeau must be having nightmares at night of Todd Haley. Why? Well consider this, the Steelers have majorly ramped up their offensive output and proved that they at least have the talent to score a ton of points. Ultimately, this has exposed DLB’s shaky and pedestrian defense. The offense can’t really be blamed anymore. They aren’t the ones conceding big plays when they should be getting big stops.
In this game, the defense would bend all game long but not break. Stuffing the run, making splash plays, putting pressure on the quarterback. The defense does these things every week. It should be enough to hold a team to less than 20 points a game. Yet another paradox resides on the defensive side of the ball – big plays. Especially big plays after the offense just marched down the field and takes a commanding 27-13 lead. It’s a wonder I’m not bald yet. How are the rest of you fairing?
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William Gay continues his up and down season – bad performance one game, good the next. We landed on a good game this week. Kudos to him on leaping up for the grab while being underneath the route. At least he didn’t give up any big plays to counter his own splash…. although Roddy White was open a few too many times across the middle for my liking. What would have taken place if Julio Jones were in this game? I shudder to think that, but no need to dwell – he wasn’t, the defense responded with the guys who were actually on the field, and held the Falcons at bay long enough that they came away with the win. That’s football.
And, can you believe that two of the big plays came off of WR screens? I’m sure those things are only run a million times at practice with Todd Haley’s offense. You would think they would recognize one when it begins to unfold. Maybe they do, and the problem is the inability to pursue correctly – that’s probably more the case.
The Steelers walk away with the win and should be mounting more confidence as they get ready for the last two games of the season – each one bigger than the one preceding it. It’s going to be one hell of a game at Heinz Field on December 28th.
Other notes & observations:
– Bell surpassed Barry Foster for most yards from scrimmage in a single season for the Steelers. There’s no telling where the ceiling will be for this kid, and I’m very excited to see what it is.
– I like Antwon Blake – has talent and great attitude on the field. Need more of it. Hope he sticks around.
– Can we get rid of the Pistol formation and handing draws off to Bell? That play was called numerous times and netted -5 yards.
– Man alive if I ever see this offense line up on a 4th and short and try that stupid hard count, I’m going to lose it. Everyone knows it’s coming. The Steelers have only gone for it on 4th down once all season. Gee, defenses would be more surprised if you actually snapped the ball!
– That roughing the passer on Jason Worilds was just straight up bullshit (excuse my French). The Milk Carton Kid hit Matt Ryan as cleanly as you could – square in chest, didn’t lead with the crown of the helmet. The refs are once again showing by example that they have no idea what constitutes roughing the “anything.” Oh and that “taunting” call on Antonio Brown? Don’t even get me started. Bush league. Period.
– Kudos on the 2 minute drive at the end of the first half. Executed well – even clock management. Nice job Mike Tomlin.
– Shmarko Thomas had great day on special teams. If he can chase down Devin Hester, he should be on the field over Polamalu. This kid needs to start at safety next season.
– Markus Wheaton had probably his biggest day as a pro. Maybe not his biggest statistical day, but he made big catches all day like the big 3rd and 7 conversion in the 4th quarter to keep the drive going.
– Antonio Brown caught his 7th 100 yard game – another Steelers record.
– Stephon Tuitt is making his presence felt on that D-line. He May not be getting to QB, nor getting many TFL’s, but he is pushing guys around and allowing others to get to the ball carrier.