Steelers Beat the Browns…Again

In a week filled with upsets, it felt a little better to be a Steelers fan, even if they played the Browns.  In fact, it was Pittsburgh’s 12th straight win against the Browns.  What was once a fierce rivalry is little more than a Sunday get together these days.  Despite the offense starting a little sloppy and a fumble fest in the 4th quarter with 5 straight turnovers between the two teams, Ben still was able to throw 23 of 35 for 417 yards and 2 TD’s. Ben also threw a glaring pick in what must have been a huge mental mistake. Believe it or not, the Steelers currently have the 3rd ranked offense in the AFC. And I hear people say Ben isn’t a top quarterback.  Hello, 417 yards….and he makes plays.  Ben is a football player, not just your average (or even above average) QB.  This was only the second time in team history in which a passer threw for 400 yards and two receivers had 100 yard games.

Hines was, as always a consistent target for Ben, with 8 receptions for 159 yards and 1 TD.  A second TD was taken away even though it really should not have been.  Hines has at least 100 yards in every home game so far this season, let’s hope the trend continues.  Santonio had 5 receptions for 104 yards and rookie Mike Wallace who has definitely proven himself as the #3 receiver had 2 receptions for 50 yards.

The run game has returned.  There were many in SteelerNation who weren’t sure what was going to happen with the Steelers run game, but I am confident they can run the ball when they need to.  Rotating FWP and Rashard this week proved one thing – FWP is out of the #1 spot.  I’m not even sure he’s #2 because quite frankly, Mewelde Moore has been the consistent back on the team.  He supported the run game through most of the season last year as well.  I’d say Mewelde deserves that #2 spot and FWP is #3. Disagree if you want, and I am the first to say that I wish FWP was the one, but he’s just not.  He’s not used in the right way, he’s not big enough to be a Jerome Bettis back and running him up the gut gets no yards.  He’s an off the edge back who needs space.  Unfortunately, this week when he had space, he tripped over his own feet in what would have been a 1st down and also fumbled the ball.  Meanwhile, since he was benched in week 3 against Cincy, Rashard has rushed 61 times for a total of 304 yards and 4 TDs.  Rashard is the running game of the Steelers future.

The defense (and SteelerNation) gladly welcomed back Troy this week.  And in true “Troysus” fashion he thanked us for missing him with an interception late in the 1st quarter.  Thanks for being healthy Troy – we missed you and your hair.  In just 1.5 games, Troy now has 2 interceptions (and I am calling it now, he will pick a certain QB next week, I am sure!).  The overall defense improved  and only allowed 7 points and 197 yards.

This week, with that quarterback I refuse to name coming to town, the Steelers have absolutely got to play their A-game.  There are no excuses, 60 minutes of smash mouth football is what I am expecting and what the Steelers need to show there is no Super Bowl hangover.  The Steelers have won the previous two match ups against the Vikings but this week will require additional “attention to detail” as Coach Tomlin would say.  They better “defend every blade of grass” as well.  Facing the leagues top rusher, Adrian Peterson will be challenging but considering the Steelers held the Chargers to 16 yards on 8 attempts it can be done.  The Steelers have not allowed a 100 yard game in the past 24 regular season games and should not start now.  Adrian Peterson tore up the Ravens defense rushing 22 times racking up 143 yards.  Hopefully the Steelers defense watches that tape and learns many lessons!

If they stop the run, then it’s also time to put pressure on the pocket.  That QB will test the Steelers secondary but I have felt that Ike and Will, Ryan and Troy are some of the best out there even if they don’t necessarily get the credit they deserve.  If the full defense does what it needs to do, the Steelers should prevail.

On the offensive side, pushing a strong run game and balancing the rest on Ben’s arm, the Steelers need to come out early and put points on the board.  The Vikings secondary has some injuries and they are weak in the secondary.  The Ravens were able to rack up a total of 222 yards and scored 21 points in the 4th quarter.  Much of that on Flacco’s arm.

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