Steelers/NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers won their 8 consecutive game in Cincinnati today beating the Cincinnati Bengals 38-10. The Steelers dominated the Bengals in all facets of the game, out gaining the Bengals 375 – 212. Ben Roethlisberger had another strong performance going 17/28 216 yds – 2TD’s. Roethlisberger hit Mewelde Moore for a two yard touchdown pass in the 1st quarter and Roethlisberger put the game away when he connected with Nate Washington for a 50 yard touchdown pass to put the Steelers up 24-10 in the fourth quarter. Roethlisberger wasn’t the only Steelers standout today as running back Mewelde Moore scored three touchdowns and ran for 120 yards on 20 carries. Moore has rushed for 219 yards in the past two games. On defense the Steelers registered a season high 7 sacks. LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, and Lawrence Timmons led the way with two sacks each. The 5-1 Steelers host the defending Super Bowl champions next Sunday at Heinz Field.
Inside Analysis
Cornerback Bryant McFadden and Troy Polamalu each left the game in the fourth quarter with injuries.
Darnell Stapleton played a phenomenal game. If I was to give a game ball for today’s game Stapleton would be 1A behind Mewelde Moore.
The Bengals had the Steelers defense on their heels for a short time early in the second half with quick two step drops. The Steelers adjusted and gave the Bengals different looks. The Steelers moved Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison around and both players were coming from each side which confused the Bengals O-Line because they didn’t know where Harrison was coming from. Harrison has 8.5 sacks in 6 games and has tied his entire total for the 2007 season
Lawrence Timmons continues to get better every week. His athleticism has added another element to this defense and his pass rushing is improving on a week to week basis. He’s not over pursuing like he was at times earlier in the season.
Depth is the key word many insiders are talking about these days. Surprisingly the Steelers D-Line has played very well despite injuries and players like Darnell Stapleton have upgraded the play of the offensive line
Nate Washington has shown the ability to stretch the field the past two games.
Santonio Holmes is developing into a clutch receiver. He made a few big plays to keep the chains moving in the second half
It was nice to see Limas Sweed to get into the game in the fourth quarter. Sweed made a 11 yard catch and according to insiders he has been improving his practice habits.
Max Starks started at left tackle in place of Marvel Smith and Starks played well. He made a key block on Mewelde Moore’s first touchdown run. The entire offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage.
The only concern from today’s game was the Steelers not putting the Bengals away when they could have in the first half
Key Stats
QB Ben Roethlisberger (17/28 – 216 yds – 2TD)
RB Mewelde Moore (20 CAR/120 YDs – 2 TD) (3rec – 14 yds – 1TD)
WR Santonio Holmes (5 rec – 89 yards
WR Hines Ward (4 rec – 60 yds – 1TD)
WR Nate Washington (2 rec – 57 yds – 1TD)
Steelers Defense 7 Sacks
