Despite the 38-10 win, I don’t know if I agree with the use of the phrase “Steelers easily defeat Bengals.” We were up 3 at half and the Bengals were within one score through 3 quarters. Without that 21-point 4th, we’re looking at a headline along the lines of, “Steelers avoid letdown against Bengals.”
Honestly, this bullshit is gonna catch up with us soon. We can’t let inferior teams hang around with us even though we have the game dominated. The Bengals opened the game with 5 straight 3-and-outs. There’s no reason that they should be within one score going into the final frame.
But on the bright side, the final frame happened. On paper, we have a 4-TD win going into a matchup with the Giants, who struggled with San Fran early. And really, if Byron Leftwich is in the game late, we’re either way in front or way behind. And we were never behind yesterday.
So let’s take a peek, shall we?
Ben. You know it’s a good game when en doesn’t really confuse you with his decisions. Sure, he tried to force a few throws, and his completion percentage wasn’t pristine, but he took control of the middle of the field as well as the sidelines, and he went deep when it was given to him. However, defenses are going to catch on to the screens and passes to Mewelde in the flats real quick if you keep that up. 3.5 of 5 motorcycle helmets.
Mewelde. Jeez, at the beginning of the year, I didn’t think Mewelde Moore would be analyzed so much in this spot. And most of it has been positive! How ’bout that? He didn’t crack the century mark last game, something I was hoping he’d do, but he more than made up for it this week. What did he put up, like a buck twenty with 2 rushing scores and a TD catch? Who needs Willie Parker? 5 of 5 motorcycle helmets!
WRs. I couldn’t break these guys up. Nate (more on him coming later today), continues to impress with his newfound hands, Hines made some tough catches, Limas Sweed finally started representing for the ’08 draft class, and Santonio had a monster game despite being held under 100 yards. This was the first game this year that I actually felt comfortable with the Ben-to-Santonio element. With the running game clicking, the WR corps took advantage of the weaker secondary. 4 of 5 motorcycle helmets.
Wooderson. I’m gonna look like a biased jerk with the good grades this week, but that’s what you get with a 28 point win. Wooderson didn’t miss a step during the bye, either. Both had 2 sacks (giving Wooderson a 4-sack-game), and Woodley forced and recovered the same fumble. Silverbback woulda had another sack, if not for a holding call on the Bengals O-Line. I’m at the point where I’m expecting multiple sacks by each guy every game. That’s gonna suck when I’m disappointed by a 1.5 sack game outta Wooderson. 4.5 outta 5 helmets.
Farrior/Timmons. There were playing like they were the same age. Timmons looked like a vet, and Farrior was playing like a kid trying to impress. 5 of 5 motorcycle helmets.
It sucks when you live in NYC, and the team you love is about to play the Giants. Blue everywhere. Time to keep the momentum, Pittsburgh!
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