GOOD
There was a lot to like in yesterday's win. For starters, WRs Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant put up impressive numbers. AB caught 10 passes for 139 yards and 2 TDs. He also received a 9.5 from judges for his acrobatic flip into the end zone on his 2nd touchdown (the Russian judge refused to give him a perfect score). Bryant was able to overcome a fumble that came on a beautiful pass play. He finished with 6 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown. The defense also came up big. The D recorded 6 sacks after being shutout in that department last week. They also had 6 QB hits and 9 tackles for loss. They won the turnover battle, snagging 1 interception and recovering 2 fumbles. But the best part of the 30-9 victory was that QB Ben Roethlisberger came on in relief for only the second time in his career and pulled out the win. QB Landry Jones left the game early in the first quarter when T Marcus Gilbert accidentally stepped on Jones foot/ankle. Big Ben moved into 13th all-time in the NFL in passing yards. Congrats to Ben! He also finished 22 of 33 for 379 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. All this with virtually no running game. Ben continued his dominance over teams from his native state of Ohio. The Clowns haven't won in Pittsburgh since the Tim Couch era. Good job, Ben. Now rest that foot during the bye and we'll see you under center in Seattle!
BAD
Don't get Mrs. Black-N-Gold wrong. The defense has had their moments this year. They've managed to get to the quarterback and turn the ball over many times more than they have the last few years. That's a good thing. Now here comes the asterisk: The defense still has much room to improve. They surrendered 372 yards passing to Clowns QB Johnny Manziel who also converted 33 of 45 with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. WR Travis Benjamin hauled in 7 passes for 113 yards. If/when the Steelers ever get themselves a shutdown corner, this defense is going to return to its former greatness. Until then, they'll have to make just enough splash plays to make up for all the big plays they allow.
UGLY
Early on, the game itself was ugly but Cleveland pulled way ahead in the second half with all kinds of ugliness. Yes, Cleveland proved, once again, just why they are the Clowns. Cleveland committed 12 penalties for 188 yards, constantly shooting themselves in the foot. And why did their coach not use the 2 timeouts he had in the 4th quarter to try and stop the clock? Mrs. Black-N-Gold bets he went to the Mike Tomlin School of Clock Management (Sorry, Mike. That was a cheap shot. Mrs. Black-N-Gold just couldn't help herself). Anyway, yes, Cleveland really stunk up the joint. Mrs. Black-N-Gold really started to feel sorry for the Cleveland fans. Then she remembered, they don't have to like Cleveland. It's their choice to root for this miserable team. That being said, the Steelers may want to watch it in the next meeting. That one will be at the Mistake by the Lake.
The Steelers playoff hopes remain alive with yesterday's win. Cincy plays on MNF this week and are still in the top spot in the AFC North at 8-0. The Steelers are #2 with a 6-4 record. The Baltimorons fell to the Jagoffs and now sit at 2-7. The Clowns are in the cellar with a mark of 2-8. No Steelers football next week with the bye. They'll come off of the bye on Nov. 28 when they travel to Seattle for a 4:25 game. Enjoy the week off. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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