Steelers improve to 2-0; defeat Browns 10-6

Behind a dominant performance on defense the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to weather off Hurricane Ike and defeat the Cleveland Browns 10-6 Sunday night. On offense quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Willie Parker led the way. Roethlisberger bothered by a bummed shoulder, was efficient and poised going 12-19-186 yds 1Td. Roethlisberger was also helped out tonight by Willie Parker who gained 105 yards on 28 carries. Parker showed the ability to run between the tackles and to the outside. Rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall only saw the field on kickoffs. The Steelers offensive line had another solid performance against an very good Browns defensive line.

The Steelers run defense was strong. Troy Polamalu had one of his best performances in a long time. He was causing havoc all over the field and his presence on the field made a difference tonight. Bryant McFadden and Ike Taylor had exceptional games. Both players were aggressive and played physical against the Browns wide receivers.

It has only been two games but LG Chris Kemoeatu appears to be everything the coaching staff raved about during the off-season.

Tonight was a prime example that the coaching staff learned their lesson from last year’s playoff game. On a 2nd & 10 with 3:16 left in the 4th quarter the Steelers were looking to grind out the clock. The conservative play was to run the ball but the Steelers ran a play-action pass and Roethlisberger hit tight end Heath Miller for a 19 yard pass to keep the chains moving.

Troy Polamalu interception at the Steelers three yard line which ended the Browns 15 play drive near the end of the 2nd quarter.

7 Punts between the two teams in the first quarter

Turnovers: Browns 2 – Steelers 0

Ben Roethlisberger 12/19/186 yds (1Td)

Willie Parker 28 ATT/105 yds

Santonio Holmes 5 receptions – 94 yards

Full Analysis in the morning

Photo courtesy of Inside Pittsburgh Sports