Roethlisberger went 25-37 for 364yards passing and a touchdown and an interception. Roethlisberger had a quarterback rating of 97.1. Roethlisberger also had two costly fumbles. Ben Roethlisberger has to protect the ball better especially with the state his offensive line is in . The fumbles were not all Ben's fault. The Steelers as a whole have to limit turnovers.
The Steeler's receiving core continues to thrive. Mike Wallace led all receivers with 5 catches for 144 yards ,that included a 81 yard touchdown catch. Wallace brought his regular season game streak with a touchdown catch to six straight. Wallace is an elite NFL receiver . Tight end Heath Miller had a good game having 5 catches for 71 yards . Wide Receiver Antonio Brown is continuing to grow in his role in the Steeler's offense . Brown had 4 catches for 75 yards . Emmanuel Sanders made a couple of key catches for 21 yards. Hines Ward was held to only 3 catches for 17 yarrds. The receiving core continues to be a major strength for the Steelers.
The Steeler's offensive line had another sub-par game . They gave up three sacks and lost the battle of the line of scrimmage most of the game. Roethlisberger was harassed most of the night . This unit must improve and improve quickly.
The Steelers offensive line was banged up and Sunday night's game did nothing to improve the situation . Right guard Doug Legursky suffered a separated shoulder , right tackle Marcus Gilbert left with a shoulder injury and left tackle Johnathan Scott left with an ankle injury. When it was all said and done , the Steelers had no one left to put in at left tackle and Gilbert had to finish up the game playing hurt and filling in at left tackle.
The Steeler's running game was just about non existing . Running back Rashard Mendenhall ran 18 times for 37 yards for a meek 2.1 yard average. Isaac Redman fared no better running 3 times for 6 yards and a 2.0 average. The Steelers as a team ran 28 times for only 67 yards and a 2.4 yard average. The combination of backs missing holes and a banged up offensive line were major factors. This unit must improve greatly if the Steelers are going to be a true contender.
The Steelers defense finally came up with it's first turn over and it was a big one . Linebacker James Harrison had the Steeler's only sack of the night that caused a fumble and Safety Troy Polamalu scooped it up and went for a touchdown. The Steelers defense only gave only 13 of the Colts 20 points. The run defense was ok but not up to normal Steeler standards. Teams continue to cut block the Steelers and I think it has had an effect on the Steelers interior defense.
The Colts ran 21 times for 97 yards and an average of 4.6 . Addai was their leading rusher with 17 carries and 86 yards and a 5.1 yard average. The Steelers can't continue to have teams average 4.6 yards a carry , but the defense did come up with stops when they needed them.
The pass defense was good for the most part. The pass rush was lacking but the Steelers did drop LaMarr Woodley into coverage more then usual. The Colts passed 40 times completing 18 times for only 153 yards. The Colts only had 241 net yards total offense and only 3.9 yards per offensive play. Ike Taylor continued his stellar play shutting down Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne most of the game. The Steeler's defense has played better games but by no means was this a bad game. James Harrison looks to be getting stronger and led the Steelers in tackles with 7 and a sack for a forced fumble. Troy Polamalu looks to be back in prime playing condition,making key plays during the game.
The Special Teams was just OK . Punter Dan Sepulveda netted 30 yards on 3 punts and had a long of 45. Kicker Shaun Suisham went 3 of 4 on field goals making a 48,44, and a 38 yard game winner. His miss hit the upright from 36. He has to be more consistent from 40 and under. He also needs to kick deeper on kickoffs. Returner Antonio Brown continues to prove he is a threat every time he touches the ball.
Now on to the Good , the Bad and the Ugly...
The Good : The play of the Steeler's receiving core especially wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown. Wallace has become one of the NFL's Elite at his position and he proved it once again against the Colts. He may be the fastest receiver in the NFL and has developed great hands to go with the speed . He is an all around wide out now. Antonio Brown continues to grow leaps and bounds from his rookie season. Antonio Brown is just a special player. You get the feeling something great is going to happen every time he touches the football. He also has great return ability .
James Harrison and Troy Polamalu both had great games and that's very encouraging toward the future of the Steeler's defense this season.
The Bad : The Steeler's running game. 28 rushes for only 67 yards and a 2.4 yard average. Those stats just won't cut it and most improve soon. Kicker Shaun Suisham missing another field goal of 36 yards .That should be automatic especially in a dome .
The Ugly : The state of the Steeler's offensive line . That was one ugly performance and all the injuries may have made it even uglier. Ben Roethlisberger's fumbles and interception have to be included here too. Lets hope they right this wrong real soon.
Steeler Nation, remember the Steelers did win! Thanks for reading and feel free to leave comments . You can follow me and the blog on Twitter @STEELERSNSTUFF . Spread the word about this blog! Steeler Nation we have unfinished business !!! Enjoy the road to Seven !!!
Later,Steeler Nation!
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