Steelers Defense Looks Sloppy in Loss to Denver
Denver 31 - Pittsburgh 28
“Stop kickin’ my heart around”
- The Black Crowes
The Steelers travel out west for the second time in three games and, again, look like they had jet lag through the entire first half. They got back in it, but it was too little - too late.
Quick Thoughts
A couple weeks ago I mentioned that well-coached football teams do better the following game. The Broncos were pounded into submission by San Diego in their last game and Mike Shanahan had two weeks to motivate his troops. And boy did he ever. Jay Cutler had shades of John Elway out there as he carved the Steelers defense up.
Speaking of defense, pin this one on them. I mentioned earlier in the season that Steeler fans expect a great defensive performance pretty much every week. Yes, I know, those expectations are a bit high. But they’re bound to have a bad game here and there and this was one of them. Fortunately, it is still early in the season. Better to have this kind of game now rather than in December.
Offensively, despite the fact that Willie Parker wasn’t able to gain 300 yards rushing (seriously, folks, did you really think Denver would give up that kind of yardage every game?), the offense was able to move the ball well. Ben’s interceptions and fumble certainly didn’t help. We all know that, in the NFL, you can’t turn the ball over and expect to win consistently and it showed in this one.
Overall, however, I was impressed with the “never say die” attitude of the offense. They battled back into this one. The defense just forgot to finish out the 4th quarter. I think there were some things the passing game could be encuraged about. They better get encouraged quick, though, Cincy’s next!
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.
Denver on top 21-14. Pittsburgh just scored on their first possession of the second half and seemed to gain confidence. On Denver’s ensuing possession, they faced 3rd & 14 at Pittsburgh’s 40. Jay Cutler completes a pass to Brandon Stokely for 17 yards. It was the second 3rd & long Denver converted on the drive. Three plays later, Denver scored the decisive touchdown that Pittsburgh couldn’t overcome.
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 the Broncos ahead 21-14 early in the 3rd quarter, and on the same drive as this week’s Hidden Play, The Steelers sack Jay Cutler at midfield and he funbles the football. Unfortunately, Denver recovers. A recovery at this point would have completely changed the momentum of the game and given the Steelers a short field to work with.
Who knows? The score may have been 21-21 by the beginning of the 4th quarter making it anybody’s ball game.
Quote of the Game
“At times it looked like they had nine or ten guys at the line of scrimmage.”
- Ben Roethlisberger
So what’s your analysis of the game? Come and tell the Swami what you think!