For instance, in the first half, Pittsburgh's starting line-of-scrimmage was at their forty-four yard line (compared to the twenty-two yard line for Cincinnati). Yet, after Ben Roethlisberger drove down the field on the opening possession of the game (five for five, to five different receivers), the Steelers did not score a touchdown until the third quarter. In fact, the Steelers had a first & goal from the three yard line, and had to settle for a field goal...after three unsuccessful play-action passes. What makes this ineptitude even more difficult to swallow, is the fact that Mewelde Moore was ripping apart Cincinnati's defense; ergo, a "run-action" run might have been a good call. Alas...
Meanwhile, the Bengals started the game with five consecutive three-and-outs. In a word, the Bengals were anemic. Then, like all too often occurs with the Steelers, the pass-rush (or lack thereof) failed to get to the quarterback. In turn, Ryan Fitzpatrick drove ninety-two yards down the field, for a touchdown right before the half. And, Yes, I said Ryan Fitzpatrick. Worse yet, that was Cincinnati's longest drive since 2006.
In other words, while Pittsburgh held the Benglas without a first down for the first twenty-five minutes of the game AND simultaneously starting their own drives around mid-field, the Steelers were only leading by three when they went into the locker-room at half-time. Again, it should never have been this close.
Then, in the second half, the Steelers realized that they were the Steelers...and, more importantly, the Bengals remembered that they were the Bengals. In other words, Pittsburgh did what it should have done in the first half: outscore its opponent 28-3.
Mind you, I am not trying to say that Pittsburgh played a bad game. But, against a better opponent, not taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, could come back to haunt the Steelers. That said, aside from Pittsburgh's offensive misfires in the second half and Cincinnati's long drive before half-time, there was little about which to actually complain.
First of all, the offensive line was in sync, allowing no sacks and paving holes for Mewelde Moore (120 yards, two touchdowns). Speaking of which, Darnell Stapleton has played beyond anyone's expectations. Maybe Kevin Colbert knew what he was doing (by not drafting an offensive linemen before the fourth round this past year). Then again, maybe Colbert just got lucky. Either way, Stapleton might be the answer at right guard...for the next few years.
Speaking of expectations, I am still not sold on Lawrence Timmons playing inside linebacker. That said, I think he might be an amazing outside linebacker. Simply, the kid is faster than lighting. In turn, Timmons recorded two sacks, in only a few pass-rushing attempts. The problem is that the Steelers already have LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison. Hence, if Timmons wants to start, he has to switch to the inside...which is easier said than done.
Back to the outside linebackers. Woodley added two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery to his statistics. Likewise, Harrison continued his campaign for defensive player of the year honors. In case you missed the game, the best example of Harrison's tenacity can be illustrated on the following play: just as Harrison is being shoved to the ground by an offensive tackle, Harrison makes one final lunge, pushing himself along the ground, while simultaneously reaching his arms between the offensive lineman's legs...and grabbing the Bengal player (who has the ball) by the ankles, making the tackle for a loss. As I have said numerous times: give me ten James Harrisons, and I will win you a championship (Note: I would only need ten...because, eleven would be unfair to the other team).
In short, this was a victory over an opponent who was not really a match for the Steelers. While Pittsburgh allowed Cincinnati to hang around for a little longer than one would feel comfortable, in the end, the Steelers are far too talented to lose to the Bengals. Yet, as I stated earlier, against better opponents, it is not wise to allow teams to "hang around." Thankfully, as has been the case this year, Mike Tomlin seems to identify a problem...and then actually fix it. Furthermore, to put things in perspective, the Steelers have the second best record in the entire NFL, despite a rash of injuries and despite having the toughest schedule in the NFL since 1976. In other words, while I truly have nothing to complain about, it is good to know that the Steelers have a coach who rectifies problems...no matter how trivial anyone deems those problems to be.
