Don't get me wrong, Byron Leftwich and the Jacksonville defense played great. They are an outstanding team. But, the referees did nothing to help the Steelers win.
The onset of almost every single drive started with the Steelers getting a penalty, which created either poor field position or a first-and-20. In other words, the Steelers were constantly trying to dig themselves out of a hole.
Furthermore, starting a drive with a first-and-20 takes a running team (which the Steelers are) out of their game. Instead of being able to run on the first two downs, the Steelers were forced to pass on two out of three plays.
More passing equals more incomplete passes, which stops the clock, which leads to less time of possession.
In short, due to penalties and sound defense by the Jaguars, the Steelers were not able to do the two things that had made them so successful over the last two months: run the ball and control the clock.
Again, not to take anything away from the Jaguars defense, but the referees did not make it any easier on the Steelers.
Of course, I am a strong believer that most of the time, penalties even out. Despite only have a third of the number of penalties called on them, the Jaguars might have some reason to be angry (e.g. Jay Riemersma's touchdown catch). As I understand it: Jay had possession, crossed the goal line, and the ball was dislodged after he hit the ground...which is supposedly all one needs to score a touchdown. I am not going to say it was not a touchdown...but, let's just say that that touchdown helped assuage the penalty differential.
Enough griping. The Jaguars looked very impressive. They rushed for 100 yards while holding Steelers to a mere 120 rushing yards. Statistics aside, the most impressive part was Jacksonville's ability to play as physical as the Steelers for a full 60 minutes. I am sure that both coaching staffs had to send out for extra ice packs.
It was good to see the Steeler draft picks playing well...except for the fact that they were playing for the Jaguars. Jason Gildon had a sack which forced the Steelers to punt. And, Troy Edwards broke three tackles on the way to his touchdown.
Speaking of Edwards, the wide receiver who forced him out of Pittsburgh had a good night, as well. Ward's receptions and the touchdown were good, but what impressed me the most was the return of his "attitude". For example, on a reverse, Ward scrambled around and realized he was surrounded. Instead of falling to the ground or running out of bounds, Ward lowered his head and ran straight into five defenders. That was the quintessential Ward play: no fear and all heart.
But, the best two players on the field last night were Byron Leftwich and Ben Roethlisberger. Between them, they had 455 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Of course, considering that I am both a Marshall fan and a Steeler fan, I may be just a tad biased. Then again, it does not take a person raised watching the MAC (Mid-American Conference) to see that "Leftwich versus Roethlisberger" will be emblazoned on marquees for the next 15 years.
Speaking of big-time games... [] For the Steelers next game in Jacksonville (February 6, 2005), hopefully, the outcome will be the same....only, with a few less penalties.