Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Victory Monday.
The Kickoff
The formula for this version of the Pittsburgh Steelers remains clear. When they can create turnovers and take care of the ball on their end, they win games. Such was the case in their 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Kyle Dugger returned a Joe Flacco interception for a touchdown and James Pierre returned a Noah Fant fumble for a score as well. Each team was penalized eight times in a chippy game that saw Jalen Ramsey ejected. The Steelers’ win coupled with Baltimore’s win in Cleveland means the Steelers’ keep their one-game lead in the AFC North for another week. As for the Aaron Rodgers’ news, it appears he has a break in his left wrist so I’m going to go ahead and play doctor. I would have to think he’s out at least this week if not the next couple of games altogether. We shall see. Regardless, enjoy the win this week!
Mt. Washington
Tight End Darnell Washington is suddenly becoming a ‘must see’ attraction not just for us but for fans across the NFL. All afternoon, the clips of him stiff-arming and steamrolling Bengals’ defenders were trending across social media. Personally, I love it. I have a very strict policy that I never buy a jersey of a player still on their rookie deal. I’m strongly considering an exception. He finished with four receptions for 67 yards.
Jalen Ramsey
The veteran defensive back was ejected in the second half after back to back personal fouls/unsportsmanlike penalties against Ja’Marr Chase. In his postgame comments, Ramsey claims Chase spit at him, which he clearly did.
Chase should be properly fined and likely suspended. Regardless, Ramsey cannot get thrown out of a game. Factor in just how short this team is on DBs right now and there’s even less excuse to get tossed. Have to be better than that. I know it’s hard in that situation but you have to rise above.
Rudy!
I think we all knew at some point Mason Rudolph was going to get some time at QB. At 41 years old, Aaron Rodgers has a recent history of injuries so it only made sense Rudy might see some time. Sunday was that time. Rudolph entered after halftime and went 12/16 for 127 yards and a touchdown.
The Zebras
Bill Vinovich’s crew was awful Sunday. They made brutal calls that hampered both teams including three very questionable roughing the passer calls. Vinovich also stated in the pool report after the game that the crew “had been dealing with it all day” in regards to Chase and Ramsey. He went on to say that none of the officials saw the spitting incident. Here’s an idea… Why not nip crap like this in the bud before it escalates to this point? You can only say “knock it off” so long before the players no longer believe you.
Arthur Smith
This is going to sound weird but in a way, losing Rodgers seemed to make Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith a better play caller. His play action rollouts and usage of Kenneth Gainwell as a receiver gave the offense a bit of a recharge.
Random Reads
Kudos to the Acrisure Stadium crowd yesterday. The last four weeks haven’t given the home fans much to cheer about but they brought it yesterday… Vinovich’s crew wasn’t the only one that stunk Sunday. There were some really awful calls across the league most notably in the pass interference department… It’s OK to say that Myles Garrett is having a better season than T.J. Watt is. It doesn’t suddenly make you a Browns’ fan. Facts are facts… Was it just me or did Mason Rudolph hang in the pocket better than Aaron Rodgers has in recent weeks… I really believe that Joe Flacco came into the game banged up and the hit he took from T.J. Watt made it worse. His throws in the second half seemed to lack any zip at all… Gotta hand it to James Pierre. Every time the team calls on him he answers the bell… The Chiefs are now 5-5 and third in the AFC West but they get another shot at Denver on Christmas Day. I would be very careful to count them out just yet… Buffalo seems to be relying an awful lot on Josh Allen. Like, way more than normal. I’m just not convinced that they’re “the team” many think they are.
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