Steelers’ Scorched on Super Sunday
National Anthem goofs and dreadful halftime shows aside, Superbowl XVL turned out to be an intriguing gala. I was bracing for the unequivocal Pittsburgh comeback, but it never did come to fruition. The persistent Green Bay Packers were too good; their gifted quarterback too efficient. Green Bay won a 31-25 decision in Dallas to earn another trophy for the franchise that brought us Vince Lombardi. Their champion signal caller, Aaron Rodgers, was awarded the game’s MVP. The Steelers fell short of their seventh title due to costly turnovers and an ineffective passing game.
Rodgers capped an incredible post-season run to give the Packers their first championship trophy in 14 years. The quarterback for Green Bay threw three touchdowns and completed 24-of-39 passes for 304 yards in the win. Ben Roethlisberger, meanwhile, tossed a pair of interceptions into double coverage and finished with 263 passing yards. Roethlisberger recorded two touchdown strikes but the Steelers’ offense was kept in check by a resilient Green Bay attacking scheme. The Packers put up 14 first quarter points, making the AFC Champion Steelers look like the more inexperienced team on the field. Pittsburgh went three-and-out on the opening possession after Green Bay won the coin toss and deferred the ball to the second half.
The Packers showed off why they were able to win three playoff games on the road late in the first quarter. Rodgers orchestrated an 80 yard drive on nine plays to give the green and yellow the first points of Superbowl XVL. Jordy Nelson hauled in a 29 yard pass with 3:44 remaining in the opening stanza. The touchdown reception was just one of Nelson’s nine on the day. Nelson led all players with 140 yards receiving. The Packers wasted no time in increasing their advantage to two scores by capitalizing on Roethlisberger’s first interception. Safety, Nick Collins got the pick-six for Green Bay when he stole Big Ben’s pass and raced 37 yards into the end zone. The Steelers followed their turnover with a seven minute, 13 play drive culminating in a field goal. Shaun Suisham’s 33 yard kick through the uprights cut the Packers’ lead to 14-3.
Green Bay’s solid secondary struck again in the second quarter, despite Pittsburgh moving the ball well offensively. Roethlisberger was hit while releasing the football. The ball bounced between various players before Green Bay’s Jarrett Bush came up with it to set the Pack up at midfield. The mobile, strong-armed quarterback, Rodgers, fired frozen ropes and managed just four plays before hitting Greg Jennings from 21 yards out. Green Bay pummeled Pittsburgh’s defense with a five-wide set and overcame some hard hits from the Steelers’ secondary. With the end of the first half approaching, Pittsburgh responded with an impressive drive. Roethlisberger moved the chains 77 yards before finding his old reliable receiver, Hines Ward. Ward was wide open for the eight yard touchdown catch with 39 ticks on the clock. The Steelers trailed 21-10 at the half.
Both teams exchanged punts to begin second half play. The Steelers were the first to score five minutes into the third quarter. Rashard Mendenhall rushed eight yards on a five play Steelers drive to trim the Pittsburgh deficit to four points. Mendenhall had a strong day in the backfield, with 63 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Pittsburgh’s rugged defense found its footing in the second half and kep the Packers off the scoreboard until early in the final stanza. The Steelers were poised to finally take the lead in the fourth quarter when Mendenhall fumbled. Rodgers flicked a second touchdown pass to Jennings on the ensuing drive to put the Packers up by eleven with just under twelve minutes to play.
Pittsburgh did not let up. Roethlisberger kept it coming with an aerial attack. Mike Wallace’s over-the-shoulder touchdown reception from Big Ben was followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it a three point game. Green Bay knocked home a field goal with 2:07 left, allowing the Steelers one final possession and a chance at the win. Roethlisberger ordered the hurry-up mode on offense and quickly completed a pass for first down. He overthrew Wallace deep down field to set up a fourth down with one minute remaining. The drive stalled 69 yards short when Wallace dropped a very catchable pass, and the Steelers were forced to turn the ball over on downs. Pittsburgh’s comeback in Dallas was stunted as the Packers prevailed to their fourth title in franchise history. Wallace finished with 89 yards receiving and Ward was credited with 79. The Packers ran for just 50 yards but it didn’t seem to matter last night. Rodgers was simply the best player on the field, and that’s what mattered in the end.
Parting Points: Tom Brady was the first unanimous MVP.
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Steelers. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Steelers Shine, Sail to Superbowl
The Jets’ joyride season ended in a 24-19 defeat at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field Sunday night. New York fell into an insurmountable 24-3 halftime hole before rallying to make a game of it in the second half. Pittsburgh held on to win, the prize being a trip to the Superbowl to face the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers are headed for Dallas after grabbing their third AFC Championship in six years last night.
Pittsburgh quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, scrambled on the Steelers’ opening drive in single digit temperatures to chew off nine minutes on the clock. Roethlisberger orchestrated a 15 play drive capped by Rashard Mendenhall’s one yard touchdown lunge to put the Steelers up by seven. The Jets struggled to get first downs and Pittsburgh maintained excellent field position throughout the first quarter. Roethlisberger was intercepted for the first time in 200 attempts on the Steelers’ second drive, but the Jets’ offense could not capitalize. Shaun Suisham booted a 20 yard field goal to put Pittsburgh out in front by ten points midway through the second session. The Steelers thundered into the end zone again with two minutes left in the half. Roethlisberger charged from two yards out to complete a 66 yard Pittsburgh drive for the 17 point advantage. Rex Ryan’s bombastic third ranked defense could do little to prevent the Steelers from adding another touchdown or slowing down Mendenhall.
Ike Taylor hit Jets’ signal caller, Mark Sanchez, to force a fumble with less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter. Cornerback William Gay scooped up the loose ball and rushed 19 yards the opposite way for a third Pittsburgh touchdown. The Steelers outgained the Jets 231-50 in yards during the first half. The Jets scooted 44 yards to reach field goal territory near the end of the second quarter. All New York could muster was a Nick Folk 42 yard field goal as time expired on the AFC Championship game’s first half. Pittsburgh dominated time of possession, leaving the trash-talking Gang Green offense down four scores heading into the locker room. The Steelers held an absurd 135-1 advantage on the ground in the first half. Mendenhall finished with 121 rushing yards (95 in the first half), only the second time a back has accumulated over 100 against Gang Green all season.
The Jets awoke from a slumber to score 16 unanswered points in the second half. Pittsburgh failed to score again after the break. In the first drive of the half, Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for a 45 yard touchdown strike to cut the deficit to 24-10. Sanchez had two touchdown passes on the night and threw for 233 yards in the loss. Mike Devito recovered a safety in the fourth quarter following a Roethlisberger bobbled snap to miraculously make it a two possession game. New York had a chance to score again midway through the fourth, but the Steel Curtain’s goal-line stance made them come up empty. Previously injured Jets’ wideout, Jericho Cotchery caught a four yard touchdown pass from Sanchez with three minutes left in regulation. The Jets trailed by five and took the lead in yardage during the second half, but it was too little too late. Pittsburgh had too much of a first half cushion to forego the lead. Mendenhall was handed the ball three times before rookie, Antonio Brown secured a Pittsburgh first down on a 14 yard reception with two minutes to go. The Jets didn’t have any timeouts left with 1:48 left. The Steelers ran out the clock and improved to 14-4 on rout for a chance at their seventh Superbowl in franchise history. A date with Green Bay is set for February 6th at 6:30pm.
Parting Points: It should be a good Superbowl. The Pack are a 2 ½ point favorite.
Who the heck is Caleb Hanie?
Pittsburgh quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, scrambled on the Steelers’ opening drive in single digit temperatures to chew off nine minutes on the clock. Roethlisberger orchestrated a 15 play drive capped by Rashard Mendenhall’s one yard touchdown lunge to put the Steelers up by seven. The Jets struggled to get first downs and Pittsburgh maintained excellent field position throughout the first quarter. Roethlisberger was intercepted for the first time in 200 attempts on the Steelers’ second drive, but the Jets’ offense could not capitalize. Shaun Suisham booted a 20 yard field goal to put Pittsburgh out in front by ten points midway through the second session. The Steelers thundered into the end zone again with two minutes left in the half. Roethlisberger charged from two yards out to complete a 66 yard Pittsburgh drive for the 17 point advantage. Rex Ryan’s bombastic third ranked defense could do little to prevent the Steelers from adding another touchdown or slowing down Mendenhall.
Ike Taylor hit Jets’ signal caller, Mark Sanchez, to force a fumble with less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter. Cornerback William Gay scooped up the loose ball and rushed 19 yards the opposite way for a third Pittsburgh touchdown. The Steelers outgained the Jets 231-50 in yards during the first half. The Jets scooted 44 yards to reach field goal territory near the end of the second quarter. All New York could muster was a Nick Folk 42 yard field goal as time expired on the AFC Championship game’s first half. Pittsburgh dominated time of possession, leaving the trash-talking Gang Green offense down four scores heading into the locker room. The Steelers held an absurd 135-1 advantage on the ground in the first half. Mendenhall finished with 121 rushing yards (95 in the first half), only the second time a back has accumulated over 100 against Gang Green all season.
The Jets awoke from a slumber to score 16 unanswered points in the second half. Pittsburgh failed to score again after the break. In the first drive of the half, Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for a 45 yard touchdown strike to cut the deficit to 24-10. Sanchez had two touchdown passes on the night and threw for 233 yards in the loss. Mike Devito recovered a safety in the fourth quarter following a Roethlisberger bobbled snap to miraculously make it a two possession game. New York had a chance to score again midway through the fourth, but the Steel Curtain’s goal-line stance made them come up empty. Previously injured Jets’ wideout, Jericho Cotchery caught a four yard touchdown pass from Sanchez with three minutes left in regulation. The Jets trailed by five and took the lead in yardage during the second half, but it was too little too late. Pittsburgh had too much of a first half cushion to forego the lead. Mendenhall was handed the ball three times before rookie, Antonio Brown secured a Pittsburgh first down on a 14 yard reception with two minutes to go. The Jets didn’t have any timeouts left with 1:48 left. The Steelers ran out the clock and improved to 14-4 on rout for a chance at their seventh Superbowl in franchise history. A date with Green Bay is set for February 6th at 6:30pm.
Parting Points: It should be a good Superbowl. The Pack are a 2 ½ point favorite.
Who the heck is Caleb Hanie?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Steel Strong
Pittsburgh’s James Harrison says it best. The Steelers just go out there and do what they have to do. Harrison and the Steelers are moving on to the AFC Championship game after bashing Baltimore 31-24 at Heinz Field Saturday afternoon. It will be Pittsburgh’s fifth AFC Championship game in the past decade. Meanwhile, Ray Lewis and the Ravens can’t seem to overcome their playoff woes against their Pittsburgh foes. Despite a two touchdown lead at halftime, the Ravens’ Superbowl aspirations were shredded again by the men in gold and black. Lewis, the twelve time All-Star, has suffered three losses in the post-season to the Steelers. Pittsburgh is a win away from a return to their third Superbowl in six seasons.
The Ravens forced mistakes in the first half and made the Steelers pay for each one as the top-notch defense capitalized on Pittsburgh miscues. Baltimore jumped out to a 21-7 lead after scoring on two short touchdown drives. Turnovers, penalties and defense were the story of the game on both sides of the ball. The Ravens managed just 125 yards against Pitt’s vaunted defense. Baltimore committed three turnovers in the second half after an impressive thirty minutes of football. The Ravens pressured quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger all day. Big Ben was sacked six times yet went without an interception and threw for 226 yards in the win. Joe Flacco did not fare as well as his counterpart Big Ben. Flacco fumbled and was intercepted in the one-touchdown performance. Lawrence Timmons led the Pittsburgh defense with seven tackles and Harrison had three sacks. Lewis had six tackles for defensive-minded Baltimore, while Terrell Suggs matched Harrison in sacks.
Rashard Mendenhall got the Steelers rolling with a touchdown on Pittsburgh’s first possession of the game. The running back had two touchdowns despite rushing for just 46 yards. The one touchdown home lead evaporated quickly. Baltimore scored 21 unanswered points to close out the first half on top. Ray Rice ran 14 yards to cap off a Ravens’ drive with 1:20 left in the first quarter. The Ravens scored less than a minute later after Pittsburgh coughed up the ball on a Roethlisberger incompletion. Cory Redding scooped up the ball and ran it back for the Baltimore touchdown. In the second quarter, Mendenhall fumbled at the Steelers’ 16 yard line and on the next drive, Flacco found a wide open Todd Heap for a four yard touchdown grab. Tight end Heap led Baltimore with 43 receiving yards. The half ended with a missed field goal by Pittsburgh kicker, Shaun Suisham. The Ravens entered the locker room with the most points they scored against the Steelers since 2007.
Heath Miller hauled in a nine yard pass from Roethlisberger five minutes into the third quarter as the Steelers began their cutthroat comeback. The Steelers needed four plays to reach the end zone. Pittsburgh took over at the 23 yard line following a Rice fumble and Mendenhall scrambled for a 14 yard gain to set up Roethlisberger’s strike to Miller. The home team got the ball back after Flacco was picked off. Pittsburgh tied the score at 21-21 on Hines Ward’s eight yard touchdown reception. Safety Ryan Clark was credited with stripping the ball from Rice and intercepting an overthrowing Flacco for a 17 yard return the other way. Baltimore committed a third turnover in the third quarter on the next possession, much to the delight of the Heinz Field faithful. Matt Birk’s snap was too early for Flacco and Brett Keisel recovered for Pittsburgh. But the game was still knotted at 21 heading into the final stanza.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh traded fourth quarter field goals. Suisham hitt one from 35 yards and Billy Cunduff tied the game again with a 24 yard kick with 3:54 left on the clock. Pittsburgh executed a dramatic drive to finish off their comeback. The Steelers faced third-and-19 at their own 38 yard line when Roethlisberger uncorked a 58 yard pass to rookie Antonio Brown deep in Raven territory. It took Mendenhall three tries, but he managed to break through the Baltimore defense into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown with 1:33 left to play. The final was not secured until T.J. Houshmandzadeh dropped a Flacco pass that would have given Baltimore a first down on Pittsburgh terrain. Roethlisberger completed 19-of-32 passes for two touchdowns as the Steelers stymied their division rivals yet again.
Parting Points: Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind this post-season, much to nobody’s surprise I suspect.
The Ravens forced mistakes in the first half and made the Steelers pay for each one as the top-notch defense capitalized on Pittsburgh miscues. Baltimore jumped out to a 21-7 lead after scoring on two short touchdown drives. Turnovers, penalties and defense were the story of the game on both sides of the ball. The Ravens managed just 125 yards against Pitt’s vaunted defense. Baltimore committed three turnovers in the second half after an impressive thirty minutes of football. The Ravens pressured quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger all day. Big Ben was sacked six times yet went without an interception and threw for 226 yards in the win. Joe Flacco did not fare as well as his counterpart Big Ben. Flacco fumbled and was intercepted in the one-touchdown performance. Lawrence Timmons led the Pittsburgh defense with seven tackles and Harrison had three sacks. Lewis had six tackles for defensive-minded Baltimore, while Terrell Suggs matched Harrison in sacks.
Rashard Mendenhall got the Steelers rolling with a touchdown on Pittsburgh’s first possession of the game. The running back had two touchdowns despite rushing for just 46 yards. The one touchdown home lead evaporated quickly. Baltimore scored 21 unanswered points to close out the first half on top. Ray Rice ran 14 yards to cap off a Ravens’ drive with 1:20 left in the first quarter. The Ravens scored less than a minute later after Pittsburgh coughed up the ball on a Roethlisberger incompletion. Cory Redding scooped up the ball and ran it back for the Baltimore touchdown. In the second quarter, Mendenhall fumbled at the Steelers’ 16 yard line and on the next drive, Flacco found a wide open Todd Heap for a four yard touchdown grab. Tight end Heap led Baltimore with 43 receiving yards. The half ended with a missed field goal by Pittsburgh kicker, Shaun Suisham. The Ravens entered the locker room with the most points they scored against the Steelers since 2007.
Heath Miller hauled in a nine yard pass from Roethlisberger five minutes into the third quarter as the Steelers began their cutthroat comeback. The Steelers needed four plays to reach the end zone. Pittsburgh took over at the 23 yard line following a Rice fumble and Mendenhall scrambled for a 14 yard gain to set up Roethlisberger’s strike to Miller. The home team got the ball back after Flacco was picked off. Pittsburgh tied the score at 21-21 on Hines Ward’s eight yard touchdown reception. Safety Ryan Clark was credited with stripping the ball from Rice and intercepting an overthrowing Flacco for a 17 yard return the other way. Baltimore committed a third turnover in the third quarter on the next possession, much to the delight of the Heinz Field faithful. Matt Birk’s snap was too early for Flacco and Brett Keisel recovered for Pittsburgh. But the game was still knotted at 21 heading into the final stanza.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh traded fourth quarter field goals. Suisham hitt one from 35 yards and Billy Cunduff tied the game again with a 24 yard kick with 3:54 left on the clock. Pittsburgh executed a dramatic drive to finish off their comeback. The Steelers faced third-and-19 at their own 38 yard line when Roethlisberger uncorked a 58 yard pass to rookie Antonio Brown deep in Raven territory. It took Mendenhall three tries, but he managed to break through the Baltimore defense into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown with 1:33 left to play. The final was not secured until T.J. Houshmandzadeh dropped a Flacco pass that would have given Baltimore a first down on Pittsburgh terrain. Roethlisberger completed 19-of-32 passes for two touchdowns as the Steelers stymied their division rivals yet again.
Parting Points: Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind this post-season, much to nobody’s surprise I suspect.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Pittsburgh Pastes Packers
The Pittsburgh Steelers scored on the decisive 86 yard drive as time expired to surpass the Green Bay Packers 37-36 at Heinz Field Sunday. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger delivered the game-winning pass to rookie receiver, Mike Wallace to tie the game. Jeff Reed booted the extra point to snap the Steelers’ five game losing streak, allowing Pittsburgh’s playoff chances to stay alive another week. The Steelers avoided tying their longest losing streak in 40 years with the one point victory. Roethlisberger set a franchise record with 503 passing yards. Big Ben became the first Steelers quarterback to top 500 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Y.A. Tittle and Warren Moon are the only other two NFL passers to throw for at least as many yards with three touchdowns and no picks.
The Steelers carried a ten point lead into the fourth quarter before a scoring surge began. The game’s final fifteen minutes featured four touchdowns and a pair of field goals as the scoreboard got plenty of exercise. Packers’ tight end, Jermichael Finley, began the point pasting with an 11 yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay’s fifth year signal caller put up a three touchdown day to match Roethlisberger. Rodgers threw for 383 yards without a pick. His pass to Finley with 13 1/2 minutes left in the game cut the Steeler lead to three. Reed gave Pittsburgh their points back with a 34 yard field goal. The 9-5 Packers took their first lead of the day on the ensuing Green Bay possession. Rodgers fired to Finley twice before hitting Jordy Nelson for 27 yards and a Green Bay first down. Running back, Ryan Grant, took over from there. Grant pounded 24 yards, squirting into the end zone to squeeze out 28-27 Packer advantage.
Reed drilled his third field goal of the second half to put the Steelers up by two, but his onside kick with four minutes remaining went the Packers’ way. Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor was charged with a penalty after touching the ball before it had gone the required ten yards. Green Bay took full advantage, scoring on a 24 yard touchdown toss from Rodgers to James Jones. The Packers successfully executed the two-point conversion to go ahead of the ailing home team, 36-30. With just two minutes to work with, Roethlisberger went with the player who started the scoring for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were helped on their desperation final drive by some big Green Bay penalties. Wallace scored on the Steelers’ first and final plays. His 60 yard reception on a one-play Pittsburgh drive opened the first quarter and provided the 7-0 lead. Roethlisberger shipped the ball to Wallace from 19 yards out with zero second left on the clock. Wallace tiptoed in bounds on the 3rd-and-10 play in what brought back memories of Santonio Holmes’ game-winning haul ten months ago in Superbowl XLIII. The rookie finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first two-touchdown game of his young career.
Hines Ward and Heath Miller had seven catches a piece and a combined 244 yards as the Steelers improved to 7-7. LeMarr Woodley was sterling in a four tackle effort on defense. Roethlisberger polished off his fifth 300 yard passing attack of the season. The game was practically devoid of running plays. Former Illinois running back, Rashard Mendenhall, rushed for 38 yards, but scored in the opening quarter on a two yard run. It was Pittsburgh’s only touchdown from the backfield. Mendenhall’s bigger contributions came as Roethlisberger’s receiver. Grant scrambled for 37 yards in the near 900 yard passing contest. The Packers were piloted by wideout, Greg Jennings’ 118 yards. Jennings scored in the first quarter on an 88 yard drive that lasted three plays for Green Bay. He gouged the once-dominant, stingy, ruthless and ferocious Pittsburgh defense with an 83 yard touchdown from Rodgers. Green Bay could have secured a playoff spot with a win Sunday. They came close to defeating Pittsburgh at home for the first time since the 1970 season. The Steelers joined five teams in the hunt for last AFC wildcard spot.
Parting Points: How lovely of Mark Sanchez to put up a hat trick of interceptions in yesterday’s Jets loss!
A ginormous (I know it’s not really a word) shout-out to my father. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you.
The Steelers carried a ten point lead into the fourth quarter before a scoring surge began. The game’s final fifteen minutes featured four touchdowns and a pair of field goals as the scoreboard got plenty of exercise. Packers’ tight end, Jermichael Finley, began the point pasting with an 11 yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay’s fifth year signal caller put up a three touchdown day to match Roethlisberger. Rodgers threw for 383 yards without a pick. His pass to Finley with 13 1/2 minutes left in the game cut the Steeler lead to three. Reed gave Pittsburgh their points back with a 34 yard field goal. The 9-5 Packers took their first lead of the day on the ensuing Green Bay possession. Rodgers fired to Finley twice before hitting Jordy Nelson for 27 yards and a Green Bay first down. Running back, Ryan Grant, took over from there. Grant pounded 24 yards, squirting into the end zone to squeeze out 28-27 Packer advantage.
Reed drilled his third field goal of the second half to put the Steelers up by two, but his onside kick with four minutes remaining went the Packers’ way. Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor was charged with a penalty after touching the ball before it had gone the required ten yards. Green Bay took full advantage, scoring on a 24 yard touchdown toss from Rodgers to James Jones. The Packers successfully executed the two-point conversion to go ahead of the ailing home team, 36-30. With just two minutes to work with, Roethlisberger went with the player who started the scoring for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were helped on their desperation final drive by some big Green Bay penalties. Wallace scored on the Steelers’ first and final plays. His 60 yard reception on a one-play Pittsburgh drive opened the first quarter and provided the 7-0 lead. Roethlisberger shipped the ball to Wallace from 19 yards out with zero second left on the clock. Wallace tiptoed in bounds on the 3rd-and-10 play in what brought back memories of Santonio Holmes’ game-winning haul ten months ago in Superbowl XLIII. The rookie finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first two-touchdown game of his young career.
Hines Ward and Heath Miller had seven catches a piece and a combined 244 yards as the Steelers improved to 7-7. LeMarr Woodley was sterling in a four tackle effort on defense. Roethlisberger polished off his fifth 300 yard passing attack of the season. The game was practically devoid of running plays. Former Illinois running back, Rashard Mendenhall, rushed for 38 yards, but scored in the opening quarter on a two yard run. It was Pittsburgh’s only touchdown from the backfield. Mendenhall’s bigger contributions came as Roethlisberger’s receiver. Grant scrambled for 37 yards in the near 900 yard passing contest. The Packers were piloted by wideout, Greg Jennings’ 118 yards. Jennings scored in the first quarter on an 88 yard drive that lasted three plays for Green Bay. He gouged the once-dominant, stingy, ruthless and ferocious Pittsburgh defense with an 83 yard touchdown from Rodgers. Green Bay could have secured a playoff spot with a win Sunday. They came close to defeating Pittsburgh at home for the first time since the 1970 season. The Steelers joined five teams in the hunt for last AFC wildcard spot.
Parting Points: How lovely of Mark Sanchez to put up a hat trick of interceptions in yesterday’s Jets loss!
A ginormous (I know it’s not really a word) shout-out to my father. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Terrible Towels Tainted
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff chances took a gigantic hit in chilly Cleveland Ohio. The arch-rival Browns earned their second win of the season and handed the defending Superbowl champions their fifth straight loss. The maligned Browns defense executed effectively in the 13-6 sacking of the Steelers. Cleveland’s superior line sacked Pittsburgh quarterback and Ohio native, Ben Roethlisberger eight times. The Browns swallowed up the Steelers’ ground attack, holding the black and gold to just 75 yards. Thursday was the first time the Browns defeated the Steelers at home in nine years, and the Roethlisberger’s first loss to Cleveland in his career. The wounds just keep getting deeper for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have dropped three unexpected games to losing teams this season (Cleveland, Kansas City and Oakland). The Browns snapped a seven game losing streak despite playing without five defensive stars and their starting running back.
Chris Jennings, rookie runner out of Arizona, notched the first Browns rushing touchdown of the season on a ten yard run to close out the first half scoring for the home team. The number one rushing defense in the NFL allowed Jennings to score the game’s first touchdown. Jennings ran around LaMarr Woodley, James Farior and William Gay to hit the pylon. His play survived an instant replay review and the touchdown stood. Phil Dawson drilled a pair of field goals in each of the first two quarters to account for the 13-0 Browns advantage with .40 remaining in the second quarter. Roethlisberger tried to drive the Steelers down the field for a last minute score before the half. The signal caller hit Hines Ward for an eight yard gain before completing a pass to the former Buckeye receiver, Santonio Holmes good for 24 more. After a Cleveland penalty for roughing the passer, Roethlisberger connected with Holmes again. Cleveland played flawless football until allowing the Steelers to drive 58 yards on the final possession of the half. The Steelers failed to find the end zone, however. Instead, the defending champs settled for a 27 yard Jeff Reed field goal. Thursday night marked the first time Roethlisberger went without a touchdown pass in 11 tries against the rival Browns. He threw for 201 yards while completing 18 of 32 throws. Running back, Rashard Mendenhall scurried for 53 yards. The Browns made the plays when they had to and kept the Steelers backed up in their own zone throughout the first half.
The second half didn’t go much better for Pittsburgh. Brady Quinn wasn’t exceptional as Cleveland’s passer, but he was mistake-free and turned in a winning performance. Quinn completed 6 of 19 passes for 90 yards. The Browns’ quarterback threw just one pass during the eight play first half touchdown drive. Josh Cribbs was sensational in the Cleveland backfield. He gained 87 yards out of the Wildcat formation. His 37 yard run spurred the resulting touchdown score for the Browns. Cleveland’s no-huddle offense stunned the Steelers. Pittsburgh was playing without Pro Bowl safety, Troy Polamalu and they looked drained defensively. The Pittsburgh offense couldn’t move the ball in blustering conditions against the 29th ranked defense in the league. Even special teams was a problem for Mike Tomlin’s club. Cribbs stymied the coverage unit with 104 return yards. Reed booted his second field goal near the end of the third quarter to trim the Browns lead to seven. The Steelers had a chance to come back after Quinn overthrew a pass to tight end, Evan Moore, with 6:24 left in the game. The fourth quarter would remain scoreless, however, as Roethlisberger and the Steelers suffered their seventh loss. Big Ben was sacked for a nine yard loss on first down and then threw incomplete to Heath Miller on second. Following the two minute warning, Miller’s 13 yard grab fell shot of the first down mark. Roethlisberger’s 4th and six pass to Holmes registered incomplete to end any late Pittsburgh rally. The Steelers did get the ball back with eight seconds. Holmes returned the ball three yards to the Steelers’ 14 yard line to send Pittsburgh home with a disappointing 6-7 record. Next week, those terrible towels will be waving wondering if the visiting Green Bay Packers will exit the Steel City with a win. This week, those towels are tainted after the Lake Erie meltdown Thursday night.
Parting Points: Brian Kelly is an outstanding hire for Notre Dame. He should have them playing at their expected level….he’ll have five years to do it.
Two weeks until Christmas. Time for some “Little Saint Nick” from the Beach Boys.
I can't wait to see mixed doubles at the 2012 Olympics...how cool!
Chris Jennings, rookie runner out of Arizona, notched the first Browns rushing touchdown of the season on a ten yard run to close out the first half scoring for the home team. The number one rushing defense in the NFL allowed Jennings to score the game’s first touchdown. Jennings ran around LaMarr Woodley, James Farior and William Gay to hit the pylon. His play survived an instant replay review and the touchdown stood. Phil Dawson drilled a pair of field goals in each of the first two quarters to account for the 13-0 Browns advantage with .40 remaining in the second quarter. Roethlisberger tried to drive the Steelers down the field for a last minute score before the half. The signal caller hit Hines Ward for an eight yard gain before completing a pass to the former Buckeye receiver, Santonio Holmes good for 24 more. After a Cleveland penalty for roughing the passer, Roethlisberger connected with Holmes again. Cleveland played flawless football until allowing the Steelers to drive 58 yards on the final possession of the half. The Steelers failed to find the end zone, however. Instead, the defending champs settled for a 27 yard Jeff Reed field goal. Thursday night marked the first time Roethlisberger went without a touchdown pass in 11 tries against the rival Browns. He threw for 201 yards while completing 18 of 32 throws. Running back, Rashard Mendenhall scurried for 53 yards. The Browns made the plays when they had to and kept the Steelers backed up in their own zone throughout the first half.
The second half didn’t go much better for Pittsburgh. Brady Quinn wasn’t exceptional as Cleveland’s passer, but he was mistake-free and turned in a winning performance. Quinn completed 6 of 19 passes for 90 yards. The Browns’ quarterback threw just one pass during the eight play first half touchdown drive. Josh Cribbs was sensational in the Cleveland backfield. He gained 87 yards out of the Wildcat formation. His 37 yard run spurred the resulting touchdown score for the Browns. Cleveland’s no-huddle offense stunned the Steelers. Pittsburgh was playing without Pro Bowl safety, Troy Polamalu and they looked drained defensively. The Pittsburgh offense couldn’t move the ball in blustering conditions against the 29th ranked defense in the league. Even special teams was a problem for Mike Tomlin’s club. Cribbs stymied the coverage unit with 104 return yards. Reed booted his second field goal near the end of the third quarter to trim the Browns lead to seven. The Steelers had a chance to come back after Quinn overthrew a pass to tight end, Evan Moore, with 6:24 left in the game. The fourth quarter would remain scoreless, however, as Roethlisberger and the Steelers suffered their seventh loss. Big Ben was sacked for a nine yard loss on first down and then threw incomplete to Heath Miller on second. Following the two minute warning, Miller’s 13 yard grab fell shot of the first down mark. Roethlisberger’s 4th and six pass to Holmes registered incomplete to end any late Pittsburgh rally. The Steelers did get the ball back with eight seconds. Holmes returned the ball three yards to the Steelers’ 14 yard line to send Pittsburgh home with a disappointing 6-7 record. Next week, those terrible towels will be waving wondering if the visiting Green Bay Packers will exit the Steel City with a win. This week, those towels are tainted after the Lake Erie meltdown Thursday night.
Parting Points: Brian Kelly is an outstanding hire for Notre Dame. He should have them playing at their expected level….he’ll have five years to do it.
Two weeks until Christmas. Time for some “Little Saint Nick” from the Beach Boys.
I can't wait to see mixed doubles at the 2012 Olympics...how cool!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dixon’s Dreary Defense Defeated
“Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.”
Dennis Dixon tried to be the difference-maker he once was for the Oregon Ducks. The third-string quarterback filled in for injured Ben Roethlisberger in Sunday night’s Steelers game in Baltimore. Pittsburgh also played without star safety, Troy Polamalu in the game at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens needed an overtime 29 yard field goal by Billy Cundiff to outlast and defeat the Steelers 20-17.
Second round pick, Paul Kruger, changed the game for Baltimore by intercepting a Dixon pass in the extra session. Kruger’s first career pick with under seven minutes left set up the game-winning kick. The Ravens ended a three game losing streak in topping their AFC North rivals. The teams entertain matching records as they head into December football. Baltimore kept their playoffs hopes alive thanks to the overtime rally and a flurry of unseasoned stars stepping up.
The Ravens scored their first first-half touchdown since October 4th last night. Baltimore signal caller, Joe Flacco, completed 23 of 35 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown. Flacco drove the Ravens 73 yards in nine plays on their first possession by completing all five of his tosses. The promising passer smartly spread the ball around. He hit Mark Clayton twice and hooked up with Kelley Washington during the opening drive. Willis McGahee lead a successful Ravens ground game. He provided the 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a two yard run after Ray Rice broke a 19 yard run. McGahee, the former Miami and Fiesta Bowl running back, had 88 of the team’s 132 rushing yards.
The Steelers opened up their offense in the second quarter. Santonio Holmes put Pittsburgh on the board with a 33 yard touchdown pass from Dixon. Holmes finished with 74 yards on six receptions and scored for the first time since week one. Sunday’s touchdown reception also marked the six straight time Holmes has scored against the Ravens. Baltimore answered with seven of their own on their final possession of the first half. Flacco found wideout, Derrrick Mason, in the end zone following a 54 yard toss to Clayton. Mason beat Ike Taylor in the left side of the end zone to lift the Ravens to a 14-7 halftime advantage.
Steelers kicker, Jeff Reed, trimmed the Baltimore lead to 14-10 with a third quarter boot from 44 yards. Rashard Mendenhall turned a short Dixon pass into a 20 yard gain before Reed’s field goal. The Steelers back was five shot of a 100 yard rushing night. Mendenhall carried the ball 24 times for Pittsburgh, as the Steelers tried to drive the ball home on the ground. Quarterback accuracy wasn’t a problem for Dixon. It was the receiving that became a problem late. Rookie receiver, Mike Wallace, missed tying the game when he dropped a pass in the end zone. The Steelers settled for three. Dixon finished with 145 yards and went 12 for 26.
Flacco was stripped of the ball for Baltimore’s second turnover of the half and the number one defense in the AFC sacked him on three plays. It was the third sack that sent the Ravens back eight yards as Flacco fumbled. Lawrence Timmons knocked the ball out of Flacco’s hands and Brett Keisel recovered for the visitors. Following a pair of penalties by each team, Mendenhall scrambled up the middle for 24 yards. Dixon put the Steelers ahead for the first time with a bootleg touchdown run on the next play. The novice quarterback went untouched into the end zone for the fourth-longest run allowed by the stingy Ravens this season.
Baltimore converted a fourth-and-five from their own 46 yard line and settled for a tying field goal from Cundiff to send the game into overtime. Dixon’s pass intended for Holmes resulted in his lone interception. Kruger snagged Dixon’s pass and returned it for 26 yards the other way. Cundiff hammered home the winning three points to hand the defending Superbowl champs their fifth loss of 2009. The game was an important rebound one for Flacco and the Ravens. The intense rivalry game was a step in the right direction for Baltimore. Flacco hasn’t played well against the Steelers in his last three starts. The Pittsburgh defense hounded the passer with ferocity. The current Steelers defense has allowed a fourth quarter lead to slip away in four of their five losses. Dixon gave his team a chance to win, but the defense did not hold the lead. Willie Parker and Mendenhall helped Dixon heat up and the quarterback appeared authoritative through the air. The Steelers secondary was whipped by Flacco’s receivers. Dick LeBeau’s defense should have been able to capitalize on Dixon attacking the Ravens for 17 points. Ray Rice ran through the big defenders with ease. Rice beat tackle after tackle to set up the field goal in the final quarter and erase the only Pittsburgh lead of the game. The Steelers picked off Flacco five times in their previous two meetings. They were a more unified defense then. Last night, the same club looked troubled from the ends to the insides to the corners. They allowed the Ravens receivers to pull down passes for huge gains. In doing so, the Steelers gained didn’t gain anything of their own, except another loss.
Parting Points: Poem for the day- Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven”.
Did anyone not deem Charlie Weis was accountable for Notre Dame’s dismal 2009? He didn’t come close to a championship level in South Bend.
Happy Cyber Monday!
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.”
Dennis Dixon tried to be the difference-maker he once was for the Oregon Ducks. The third-string quarterback filled in for injured Ben Roethlisberger in Sunday night’s Steelers game in Baltimore. Pittsburgh also played without star safety, Troy Polamalu in the game at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens needed an overtime 29 yard field goal by Billy Cundiff to outlast and defeat the Steelers 20-17.
Second round pick, Paul Kruger, changed the game for Baltimore by intercepting a Dixon pass in the extra session. Kruger’s first career pick with under seven minutes left set up the game-winning kick. The Ravens ended a three game losing streak in topping their AFC North rivals. The teams entertain matching records as they head into December football. Baltimore kept their playoffs hopes alive thanks to the overtime rally and a flurry of unseasoned stars stepping up.
The Ravens scored their first first-half touchdown since October 4th last night. Baltimore signal caller, Joe Flacco, completed 23 of 35 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown. Flacco drove the Ravens 73 yards in nine plays on their first possession by completing all five of his tosses. The promising passer smartly spread the ball around. He hit Mark Clayton twice and hooked up with Kelley Washington during the opening drive. Willis McGahee lead a successful Ravens ground game. He provided the 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a two yard run after Ray Rice broke a 19 yard run. McGahee, the former Miami and Fiesta Bowl running back, had 88 of the team’s 132 rushing yards.
The Steelers opened up their offense in the second quarter. Santonio Holmes put Pittsburgh on the board with a 33 yard touchdown pass from Dixon. Holmes finished with 74 yards on six receptions and scored for the first time since week one. Sunday’s touchdown reception also marked the six straight time Holmes has scored against the Ravens. Baltimore answered with seven of their own on their final possession of the first half. Flacco found wideout, Derrrick Mason, in the end zone following a 54 yard toss to Clayton. Mason beat Ike Taylor in the left side of the end zone to lift the Ravens to a 14-7 halftime advantage.
Steelers kicker, Jeff Reed, trimmed the Baltimore lead to 14-10 with a third quarter boot from 44 yards. Rashard Mendenhall turned a short Dixon pass into a 20 yard gain before Reed’s field goal. The Steelers back was five shot of a 100 yard rushing night. Mendenhall carried the ball 24 times for Pittsburgh, as the Steelers tried to drive the ball home on the ground. Quarterback accuracy wasn’t a problem for Dixon. It was the receiving that became a problem late. Rookie receiver, Mike Wallace, missed tying the game when he dropped a pass in the end zone. The Steelers settled for three. Dixon finished with 145 yards and went 12 for 26.
Flacco was stripped of the ball for Baltimore’s second turnover of the half and the number one defense in the AFC sacked him on three plays. It was the third sack that sent the Ravens back eight yards as Flacco fumbled. Lawrence Timmons knocked the ball out of Flacco’s hands and Brett Keisel recovered for the visitors. Following a pair of penalties by each team, Mendenhall scrambled up the middle for 24 yards. Dixon put the Steelers ahead for the first time with a bootleg touchdown run on the next play. The novice quarterback went untouched into the end zone for the fourth-longest run allowed by the stingy Ravens this season.
Baltimore converted a fourth-and-five from their own 46 yard line and settled for a tying field goal from Cundiff to send the game into overtime. Dixon’s pass intended for Holmes resulted in his lone interception. Kruger snagged Dixon’s pass and returned it for 26 yards the other way. Cundiff hammered home the winning three points to hand the defending Superbowl champs their fifth loss of 2009. The game was an important rebound one for Flacco and the Ravens. The intense rivalry game was a step in the right direction for Baltimore. Flacco hasn’t played well against the Steelers in his last three starts. The Pittsburgh defense hounded the passer with ferocity. The current Steelers defense has allowed a fourth quarter lead to slip away in four of their five losses. Dixon gave his team a chance to win, but the defense did not hold the lead. Willie Parker and Mendenhall helped Dixon heat up and the quarterback appeared authoritative through the air. The Steelers secondary was whipped by Flacco’s receivers. Dick LeBeau’s defense should have been able to capitalize on Dixon attacking the Ravens for 17 points. Ray Rice ran through the big defenders with ease. Rice beat tackle after tackle to set up the field goal in the final quarter and erase the only Pittsburgh lead of the game. The Steelers picked off Flacco five times in their previous two meetings. They were a more unified defense then. Last night, the same club looked troubled from the ends to the insides to the corners. They allowed the Ravens receivers to pull down passes for huge gains. In doing so, the Steelers gained didn’t gain anything of their own, except another loss.
Parting Points: Poem for the day- Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven”.
Did anyone not deem Charlie Weis was accountable for Notre Dame’s dismal 2009? He didn’t come close to a championship level in South Bend.
Happy Cyber Monday!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Blitzing Barricade Batters Broncos
The two best teams in the AFC collided in the Rocky Mountains Monday night. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ scruffy defense did most of the late scoring in lifting them over the 6-1 Denver Broncos 28-10. The defending Superbowl champions won their fifth straight game and were lead by replacement safety, Tyrone Carter. Carter’s 48 yard interception return to the Denver end zone was intended for Knowshon Moreno. It was one of three picks thrown by the suddenly sliding Purdue product, Kyle Orton. The Broncos have lost back-to-back games after rushing hurriedly off to a 6-0 start. The regressing Denver club outgained and outpassed the Steelers during the first half. Yet, Pittsburgh’s defense made the principal prevailing plays to escape the high altitudes of Colorado with an impressive 6-2 record.
Ben Roethlisberger was stripped of the football on his first possession in the second quarter. First year linebacker, Robert Ayers, carted the pigskin 54 yards the other way to give Denver a 10-7 lead. The rumbling didn’t last long for the roused Broncos. Roethlisberger drove the Steelers 80 yards to set up Hines Ward’s three yard touchdown reception. The strike to Ward put the visitors back on top by four. Despite Dick LeBeau’s depleted defense, the Invesco Field crowd was still forced to commit to memory superstars like Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, James Harrison and Carter. Polamalu snared an Orton pass in the fourth quarter with Pittsburgh clinging to a 14-10 lead. The safety’s pick set up Roethlisberger’s touchdown toss to rookie, Mike Wallace. Big Ben was 21 for 29 for 233 yards. He fled the pocket to hit Wallace from 25 yards and found Ward again for another Pittsburgh seven with 1:22 remaining in regulation. The Broncos offense was held without a touchdown. Save for the interception return in the early minutes of the third quarter, Denver never scored again after they were “Polamalued”.
The defense flogged a very prominent opponent on the road. Orton completed 23 of his 38 passes through the air. Eddie Royal collected three receptions for 47 yards for the ailing Broncos. Running back, Brandon Marshall, turned in a 112 yard day but rookie head coach, Josh McDaniels, lost his second game because of a porous offensive line. Denver rushed for one yard during the second half thanks in part to the blitzing of a pounding Pittsburgh defense. Polamalu intersected and interrupted Orton’s lane to Marshall throughout the game. He is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, and the glue holding together the Steelers’ defense. William Gay disputed any attempt of Orton hitting an open Royal. The relentless Steelers capped their night off with a third interception. Carter caught his second turnover with fifteen seconds remaining. Rashard Mendenhall rushed over the Broncos for 155 yards. The Steelers dominated the second half with a no-huddle offense and three wideout set. The Broncos owe self-destruction helped the Steelers pummel the number one defense in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s health problems weren’t a concern as the team game together to stop the impotent Broncos ground game. The Steelers return to Heinz Field next Sunday to play the team they are tied with in the NFC North—the Cincinnati Bengals.
Parting Points: It looks like Charlie Weis is on the hot seat again.
Interesting read I picked up today- “Ten Minutes From Normal” by Karen Hughes
Ben Roethlisberger was stripped of the football on his first possession in the second quarter. First year linebacker, Robert Ayers, carted the pigskin 54 yards the other way to give Denver a 10-7 lead. The rumbling didn’t last long for the roused Broncos. Roethlisberger drove the Steelers 80 yards to set up Hines Ward’s three yard touchdown reception. The strike to Ward put the visitors back on top by four. Despite Dick LeBeau’s depleted defense, the Invesco Field crowd was still forced to commit to memory superstars like Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, James Harrison and Carter. Polamalu snared an Orton pass in the fourth quarter with Pittsburgh clinging to a 14-10 lead. The safety’s pick set up Roethlisberger’s touchdown toss to rookie, Mike Wallace. Big Ben was 21 for 29 for 233 yards. He fled the pocket to hit Wallace from 25 yards and found Ward again for another Pittsburgh seven with 1:22 remaining in regulation. The Broncos offense was held without a touchdown. Save for the interception return in the early minutes of the third quarter, Denver never scored again after they were “Polamalued”.
The defense flogged a very prominent opponent on the road. Orton completed 23 of his 38 passes through the air. Eddie Royal collected three receptions for 47 yards for the ailing Broncos. Running back, Brandon Marshall, turned in a 112 yard day but rookie head coach, Josh McDaniels, lost his second game because of a porous offensive line. Denver rushed for one yard during the second half thanks in part to the blitzing of a pounding Pittsburgh defense. Polamalu intersected and interrupted Orton’s lane to Marshall throughout the game. He is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, and the glue holding together the Steelers’ defense. William Gay disputed any attempt of Orton hitting an open Royal. The relentless Steelers capped their night off with a third interception. Carter caught his second turnover with fifteen seconds remaining. Rashard Mendenhall rushed over the Broncos for 155 yards. The Steelers dominated the second half with a no-huddle offense and three wideout set. The Broncos owe self-destruction helped the Steelers pummel the number one defense in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s health problems weren’t a concern as the team game together to stop the impotent Broncos ground game. The Steelers return to Heinz Field next Sunday to play the team they are tied with in the NFC North—the Cincinnati Bengals.
Parting Points: It looks like Charlie Weis is on the hot seat again.
Interesting read I picked up today- “Ten Minutes From Normal” by Karen Hughes
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Troy Takes Tenacious Team to Tampa with Timely Touchdown
Troy Polamalu outplayed Ed Reed. Yes, the Steelers’ star safety scrambled for a 40 yard interception return for a touchdown Sunday to carry Pittsburgh to the promised land. Reed was the highly touted safety in the game but the Raven was overshadowed by his nemesis on the other end. Hines and Holmes had their highlights, Ben proved pocket-perfect and Tomlin typified terrible towel tradition. But the real hero, Polamalu, is the reason Pittsburgh will be in their 7th Superbowl.
Peppy Pittsburgh tackled well and harassed the rookie quarterback from Baltimore. The Steelers won the Superbowl three years ago and some of the same players remain. They are no strangers to the big game but it will be a different feel for Roethlisberger. He did not have an outstanding Superbowl and now will have a chance to redeem himself with a mismatch against Arizona.
The 23-14 win was a battle of pure defense during championship Sunday. Joe Flacco had three costly interceptions for Baltimore. Ben had zero. Roethlisberger’s maturity and apparent experience in these situations was an important factor last week and will help determine the team’s outcome in two weeks. The chances are good he will step up again. He’s been through the elements of playoff football. Ben’s 65 yard pass to wideout, Santonio Holmes, allowed the Steelers a two-score lead in the second quarter. The defense was exceptional, holding the Ravens scoreless in two quarters. Willis McGahee, the Ravens running back, had two touchdowns but was knocked out of the game on a brutal Ryan Clarke hit late in the game. Clarke had 8 tackles for Pittsburgh. James Farrior had 6 tackles and Lamar Woodley had two sacks as 65,000 plus fans waved their terrible towels in snowy Heinz Field.
The scene is set and the game should be a nice finish to the season. Go Steelers!
Parting points: I was sad to see Leyton Hewitt already knocked out of the Australian Open. I know he’s coming off an injury, but it would have been nice to see him advance a little farther in his homeland.
Peppy Pittsburgh tackled well and harassed the rookie quarterback from Baltimore. The Steelers won the Superbowl three years ago and some of the same players remain. They are no strangers to the big game but it will be a different feel for Roethlisberger. He did not have an outstanding Superbowl and now will have a chance to redeem himself with a mismatch against Arizona.
The 23-14 win was a battle of pure defense during championship Sunday. Joe Flacco had three costly interceptions for Baltimore. Ben had zero. Roethlisberger’s maturity and apparent experience in these situations was an important factor last week and will help determine the team’s outcome in two weeks. The chances are good he will step up again. He’s been through the elements of playoff football. Ben’s 65 yard pass to wideout, Santonio Holmes, allowed the Steelers a two-score lead in the second quarter. The defense was exceptional, holding the Ravens scoreless in two quarters. Willis McGahee, the Ravens running back, had two touchdowns but was knocked out of the game on a brutal Ryan Clarke hit late in the game. Clarke had 8 tackles for Pittsburgh. James Farrior had 6 tackles and Lamar Woodley had two sacks as 65,000 plus fans waved their terrible towels in snowy Heinz Field.
The scene is set and the game should be a nice finish to the season. Go Steelers!
Parting points: I was sad to see Leyton Hewitt already knocked out of the Australian Open. I know he’s coming off an injury, but it would have been nice to see him advance a little farther in his homeland.
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