Steelers Leave Buffalo Nowhere to Roam
Pittsburgh 26 - Buffalo 3
“It’s easier to run”
- Linkin Park
The Steelers improve to 2-0 on the season behind a strong defensive outing and great running from Willie Parker.
Quick Thoughts
September has traditionally been a rough month for Pittsburgh under Bill Cowher. The Steelers always seemed to be slow coming out of the gate, but so far so good with Mike Tomlin.
The defense, especially, looks good. They’re swarming to the ball, getting to the quarterback and forcing a lot of three and outs.
The offense, however, needs to get in the end zone. Playoff teams score touchdowns on a consistent basis. Mediocre teams settle for field goals. The good news is the season is still young and there’s plenty of time to improve.
The weakiest link of the game has got to be the kick coverage. The laong second half kickoff return could have put the Bills right back into the game.
Hidden Play of the Game
“Hidden Plays” are the ones you rarely see in the highlights, but they are key performances that help determine the outcome of a game.
The Steelers are leading 12-3 in the 3rd quarter. Pittsburgh has the ball and faces a 3rd & 4. Ben completes a pass to Santonio Holmes for a 27 yard gain. That 3rd down conversion leads to a TD three plays later and, in effect, sealed the game.
Missed Opportunites
“Missed Opportunities” are the crucial points in a game that teams fail to take advantage of. The consequences can sometimes be disasterous.
With Pittsburgh up 12-0 at the beginning of the 2nd half, The Bills return the kickoff to the Steelers 32 yard line and place themselves in a great position to make get back into this game. A few plays later, Bufafalo drives all the way to the Steeler 5, but they can’t score a touchdown and have to settle for three.
The game was never close after that. Pittsburgh took the next drive all the way for six and held a commanding lead from there.
Quote of the Game
“I told Jeff (Reed) that it’s good when he puts up a lot of points but I’d rather his points be one at a time instead of three.”
-Ben Roethlisberger
So what’s your analysis of the game? Come and tell the Swami what you think!