The stakes are high in this game, both because the winner clinches a playoff spot, and also because the Steelers are tied with the Chiefs for the best record in the AFC. Cornerback Joe Haden is in concussion protocol, and star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick got banged up before halftime of Monday’s game but eventually returned to the field. Defensive end Bud Dupree is out for the season with a torn ACL. Vince Williams, another Steelers inside linebacker, is now on the COVID-19 list. After losing inside linebacker Devin Bush earlier this season, his backup, Robert Spillane, also suffered an injury last week. Now, the Steelers are in a tough spot as their excellent defense is getting more and more injured by the week. The loss was also just the second time Pittsburgh blew a 14-point lead since the franchise drafted Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Prior to this year, the Steelers had dropped five passes in a game just twice in the previous 15 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That’s not a metaphor: Pittsburgh’s pass-catchers dropped six passes on Monday, marking the team’s second straight game with at least five drops. The Steelers dropped the ball in their 23-17 loss to Washington last week. Sunday Night Football Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1) Buffalo Bills (9-3) But we start with the best game of the week, which is conveniently scheduled for Sunday Night Football. After weeks of games being postponed and rescheduled to Wednesday afternoons and Tuesday nights, we finally get a day where things look somewhat traditional. It'll be hard to conjure up any good feelings in Cleveland after how this season went.Week 14 brings the rarest of traits to the NFL calendar: balance. But he will end his home Steelers career with a win and some good feelings. It wasn't a storybook sendoff for Roethlisberger this season either, but very few players get the ending they want. Given all the limitations, especially on offense, it hasn't been the worst season. Still, the Steelers will avoid a losing season and are alive going into Week 18. That's the problem, because the Colts play the 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars. They need to beat the Baltimore Ravens and then have the Indianapolis Colts lose. The Steelers need help to make the playoffs and it's unlikely to come. Mathematically, they're still alive in the playoff hunt. Maybe the Steelers' season won't end in Week 18. Najee Harris broke out for a third-down touchdown run with 51 seconds left to close out the book on Monday night's win and Roethlisberger's home career. The Browns got a touchdown with 1:10 left but couldn't get the onside kick. The Steelers' offense wasn't much better, but a couple of field goals were more than enough. A touchdown to David Njoku in the third quarter got Cleveland on the board and cut Pittsburgh's lead to 13-7. Still, the Browns had a chance to win despite a horrid offensive night. He seems to be making that decision much easier for the front office with his prolonged slump. The Browns will have to make a decision soon on whether he will get an expensive extension. There has been endless talk about Mayfield and his future. You have to wonder if the same can be said for Mayfield and the Browns. Roethlisberger's time with the Steelers is almost done. "This is just an awesome place," Roethlisberger told ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game as he fought back tears. Before exiting into the tunnel, Roethlisberger hugged his three kids and wife in the end zone. Roethlisberger finished 24-of-46 for 123 yards.Īfter the game Roethlisberger walked around the stadium, greeting fans in the front row. Roethlisberger said last week that all signs pointed to Monday being his final home game with the Steelers, which made it a celebration of Big Ben's career even if the present isn't all that pretty. Roethlisberger didn't throw it great, but he had a touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson and did enough to help the Steelers win and stay alive in the AFC wild-card race. Roethlisberger is winding down his Steelers career, likely his NFL career, and he had a nice sendoff from Pittsburgh fans on Monday night in a 26-14 win. The Steelers and Cleveland Browns have serious quarterback questions coming up, in much different ways.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |