Sorry for a lag in blogging the last couple of days. Been terribly busy with the Post-Gazette and other school assignments. I wanted to comment on the past Monday Night Football game played in Denver, but I won't be able to do it extensively. On my way to class in a few minutes.
First, let me start with the...
DROPS:
The entire first half was a disaster for everybody on the team except for Tyrone Carter who scored the lonely touchdown early in the game. Up until half-time, it really looked like we were getting it handed to us. Our running game was nonexistent. Receivers couldn't get open. Ben was getting harassed every time he threw the ball.
If I could point out one player specifically who deserves the Drops Award though for the first half is William Gay. He was getting terrorized constantly and his receiver always managed to create separation from him. He allowed three big catches to Eddie Royal in the first quarter alone, but he did recover well later on and even stripped a ball that resulted in an incomplete pass.
PROPS:
Just like the Drops title in the first half, the Props should go all around for the second half performance. This team adjusted so well. Ben moved around with some bootlegs to avoid pressure and receivers finally found some open gaps in coverage. Fright Night had an astonishing performance and tore up the formerly No. 3 rushing defense, finishing off with 155 yards on the ground. The Defense too (yes, with a capital D, they deserve it) rebounded nicely. After allowing 168 yards in the first half, they were staunch and allowed only 56 in the second. More than that, they allowed only 3 offensive points to a team that was managing a healthy 25+ points per game.
I was most impressed by how the offense responded to adversity. Finally they were moving the ball when Big Ben was stripped and Broncos DE Robert Ayers returned the fumble for a 46 yard touchdown. On the very next drive, Big Ben and company drove the ball a good length of the field and reclaimed the lead.
The whole team played with passion and intent.
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I was really surprised with Ben's composure (I think the day is near when I can't say that anymore). After the Bronco's defensive touchdown, I was nervous with what our offense would do. However, I think it was only four seamless plays that led to the touchdown.
It seemed like the Broncos were still counting their points while the offensive was driving down the field. That's how you lose games. Plus, it's an offensive style the Steelers aren't used to but work well with.
Growing up as a Steeler's fan, I was conditioned to think run, run, and run the ball more. I feel like there's a shift in that recently, though. Not to say they don't run the ball a lot, but you do see it less on third down situations and make or break drives like Monday night.
How do you feel about that?
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