Ben Roethlisberger had a stomach virus. Pittsburgh got the ball first. They made some yardage and then had to punt. And there went Big Ben off the field. Maybe Big Ben was willing to let this offensive series die. Cincinnati didn't do much and had to punt. Antonio Brown took the punt, ran to his right, switched back to his left and ran it in for a touchdown.
Cincinnati got the ball back and started to take apart the Steelers' defense until QB Andy Dalton threw a really bad interception due to a miscommunication with his receiver. The Steelers didn't do anything with the ball either and Cincinnati got the ball back. After converting a 4th and 3, they got a touchdown.
With the Steelers back on offense, center Maurkice Pouncey missed the snap count and Cincinnati was able to convert the turnover into three points.
Again, with the ball back, the Steelers finally seemed to have their offense clicking. Maybe Big Ben's stomach problems had receded. But the Steelers had to settle for a field goal, which seemed strange to me since the offensive line was giving Big Ben all the time he needed.
Cincinnati QB Dalton threw another interception and Pittsburgh had it at the 28. It didn't take long for Pittsburgh to score and so halftime was 20 - 10 Pittsburgh.
Well, the scary moment happened when Le'Veon Bell took a hit in the third quarter. Luckily, it looks like he is okay though he might need to sit out the first game of the playoffs -- considering it is Baltimore that is a big concern (not that it wouldn't be a concern against any other team, but considering this will be our 3rd meeting with Baltimore). With Bell on the sidelines, Dri Archer came in and couldn't hold his block. Big Ben felt pressure and tossed an interception.
Cincinnati took the opportunity and got a touchdown. Now it was 20 - 17 and Bell was injured. It didn't look good. Especially when Pittsburgh's offense got stalled and had to punt. But they didn't punt. They did a fake and Brad Wing showed why he isn't a quarterback. The Steelers defense didn't let that mistake steal the game. They forced a fumble and then Big Ben connected with Antonio Brown for the final score of the game.
My basic thoughts:
1. The Steelers offense needs Bell back. I'd hate to see them having to go into the playoffs with Big Ben having to throw the ball all the time.
2. The Steelers front line is giving Big Ben all the time he needs. Amazing.
3. The Steelers defensive line is killing quarterbacks.
4. The Steelers cornerbacks did okay in this game.
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