GOOD
No doubt about it, this was a good one. A big win, too. It was a total team effort as well. While the secondary continues to have coverage and tackling issues, the defense does keep coming up with game-changing plays. They registered 3 sacks on the day. They also nabbed 3 interceptions, one a pick-6 by CB Willie Gay. But today QB Ben Roethlisberger gets the GOOD award. Ben was a very efficient 30 for 39 passing, good for 282 yards. He threw one pick and no TDs but was able to distribute the ball to 5 different players. Although the offense only scored 14 of the 33 points Ben had control of this game from the opening drive. He continued to dominate teams in his home state of Ohio while defeating the division leaders in a resounding fashion. He's playing some of the best football of his illustrious career When his teammates vote for team MVP, they would do very well to consider Big Ben. Without him, this team would be in serious trouble.
BAD
The officials had their work cut out for them even before kickoff, when players got into a scrum at midfield during pregame. It was a sign of things to come as players were chippy with each other throughout the game. The Steelers were not always able to keep their composure. S Mike Mitchell was flagged for a personal foul in the 1st quarter. WR Antonio Brown was also guilty of this infraction. CB Antown Blake would make it a hat trick of personal foul penalties. But the one most guilty of dirty play was Cincy LB Vontaze Burfict. He was constantly trying to stir the pot after the play, going so far as to cheap-shot Ben at the knees on one play. The Steelers were lucky Ben wasn't seriously injured. Was he flagged for it? No way. The refs should have nipped things in the bud early, before it got out of hand. If it was Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, you'd better believe a flag would have been thrown. Burfict may have been tossed, too. He's a thug, a menace and a disgrace to the game. And he'd better watch his back. Especially if the Steelers meet Cincy in the playoffs. Oh, that's for dang sure.
UGLY
Again, Mrs. Black-N-Gold would like to point out that the Steelers were also guilty of ugly infractions on Sunday. The ugliest was the penalty Gay earned during his "celebration" of his pick 6. Sure he was excited. However, it as a 15-yard penalty for a ridiculous move by a veteran who has been there many times before. Coach Mike Tomlin can't continue to look the other way when his players act the fool. Cincy didn't take advantage of the opportunity. But don't you think Manning or Brady would? Just try something like that next week versus Denver or if/when we're in the playoffs. It could get UGLY. How many times does Mrs. Black-N-Gold have to say it? Act like you've been there before.
With Sunday's win and Cincy's loss, the Bungles are now at 10-3 but have not yet clinched the AFC North. The Steelers are 8-5 and would have to win out and still get some help to win the division. Word is Cincy QB Andy Dalton suffered a broken thumb in Sunday's game and is gone for the rest of the regular season. That may be the "break" the Steelers need. Still they're on the outside looking in at the wild card and need to stay in the win column, anyway. They'll face their 3rd division leader in 3 weeks when Denver comes to town on Sunday. After that they're on the road against the Baltimorons, who lost on Sunday, and the Clowns (ditto). Careful not to suffer a letdown with Denver. Stay focused and keep stacking wins. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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