The Good-Gotta hand this one to the Steelers defense which played like the D of old, instead of an old D. They sacked KC QB Alex Smith 6 times, 2 by LB Jason Worilds, 1.5 each from LB James Harrison and DE Cam Heyward and 1 from rookie DE Stephon Tuitt. Tuitt also forced a fumble by KC RB Jamal Charles that was recovered by LB Vince Williams. The defense also held KC to 4 field goals on the day, not allowing them in the end zone at all. LB Lawrence Timmons led the team with 13 tackles, 9 solo and 1 for a loss. Harrison showed flashes of his former self with the 1.5 sacks as well as 7 tackles, 2 TFLs and 2 QB hits. Heyward continues to show why he's my Defensive MVP this season, recording the 1.5 sacks along with 1 TFL and 3 QB hits. A good mix of young and old got the D going today and helped seal the deal for the win.
The Bad-However, there was a run in the 4th quarter where the defense looked like it was beginning to implode as penalty flags reigned down all around them. CB William Gay was penalized for taunting on a play that would have forced 4th and 14. LB Sean Spence was also flagged for holding during that same series. Speaking of penalties, G Ramon Foster was charged with unnecessary roughness in a melee that ensued on K Shaun Suisham's 23 yrd FG that gave the Steelers a 20-9 lead. We're winning the game, for crying out loud. No need for extracurricular activity. Keep your heads together and don't let the refs and the flags take you out of the game.
The Ugly-Speaking of flags and refs and penalties, oh my! One day the refs are going to cost some team a win with their bogus flags. Mrs. Black-N-Gold understands that the zebras need to ere on the side of caution for the safety of the players. However, the non-call when Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was leg-whipped mystifies. Just last week, Worilds was flagged for roughing the passer on what looked to be a legal hit. No flag for Ben? At least be consistent, refs, instead of consistently bad.
Now that the Steelers are playoff-bound, we can rest our starters next week, right? Wrong. The Steelers still have an opportunity to win the AFC North and perhaps secure a home field playoff game and/or a bye. The rundown goes like this: Cincy is still in 1st at 9-4-1 but they play on MNF vs Denver. The Steelers and their playoff berth are next at 10-5. Next come the Baltimorons at 9-6 following their loss. And the Clowns are in the basement after their latest defeat at 7-8.
The Steelers close out the regular season at Heinz Field as they battle the Bungles. Keep putting Ws in the win column. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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