I missed the first ~20 or so minutes of game time, meaning I came into it right after the Mendenhall long run. So my experience with this game was the Steelers only scoring 3 points 4 plays later while giving up 13 over the next half-plus. So as you can understand, I was a little annoyed that all the good stuff happened while I was away and very little happened positively while I watched. I mean, the offense scored on their first 3 possessions, then I started watching, and crap happened.
17-13 Steelers.
The offense very clearly stopped caring once the initial lead was established. It didn’t haunt the team in this game, as their taking their foot off the gas could’ve been disastrous with Jacksonville looking to storm back. Had Gabbert hit that Hail Mary, there’d be much gnashing of teeth in the Burgh.
Ben: The stats were fine. 200 yards and a TD to Mike Wallace. 12 for 23 isn’t that great. He missed 7 straight throws at one point so the ratio of completions to attempts was much better earlier. As was everything, as I alluded to earlier. It was tough to try and pinpoint if the stalled offense was on Ben or not…the Jags had the ball for most of the 3rd and Ben was on the sideline a while before getting back into incompletion town. 3 of 5 motorcycle helmets. He could’ve had like a billion yards if he didn’t overthrow Mike and Manny like 4 times.
Mendy: I don’t know why people get on his case so much. Sure he’s said some stuff that people weren’t expecting before. He’s had really big highs and lows in part due to the line play in front of him, and Dwyer and Redman’s production last week while Mendy nursed a hammy made people question Mendy as a starting tailback. Yesterday he hopefully shut people up. His talent is there and when he’s on there’s no worry. 146 yards and a TD. Plus a 68 yarder that I didn’t see. 5 of 5 motorcycle helmets.
Defense: Woodley and Keisel were on a mission. 2 sacks apiece. And Farrior played out of his mind for a second straight week. I hope Troy isn’t too dinged up. He musta killed about 2 or 3 attempted Jacksonville rallies himself. And hopefully that great 3rd down play where he got shook up doesn’t end up affecting the rest of his season. Giving up 13 points wouldn’t have even been a concern had the offense played up to their ceiling rather than playing down to an inferior opponent. 4 of 5 motorcycle helmets.
Mike: I’ve run out of adjectives. Exceptsplendmaztrous. Yeah, sure. 4.5 of 5 motorcycle helmets. Ben’s couple of off tosses to Mike spoiled a great effort by Wallace.
The first of only 2-4pm games next week In Arizona. Let’s keep winning and not dwell on how we’re winning.
(thanks to Doug for the banner pic)
