Steelers football is back!
- When Ben Roethlisberger walked on to the field At MetLife Stadium, Steelers Nation released the air we'd been holding since last season. Returning from last season's injury, not because he had something to prove, but for the guys, Roethlisberger, stepped behind center Maurkice Pouncey and reminded everyone just what it means to have a franchised quarterback. Like a well-oiled machine—albeit with a bit of rust—the team fell into a rhythm and got down to business.
- The entire group stood for the anthem behind a banner that read, Steelers against racism. Unlike the Giants, who left it up to the individual players, the Steelers decided as a TEAM how to handle this, and it filled my heart with love and happiness. AS A TEAM--first step!
- The Steelers opted to run the ball in their first possession, handing it off to James Conner, who made little headway against the Giants defense. While it ramped up the anticipation of seeing Ben throw his first pass, it did little to start us off with a bang.
- Then, Connor was suddenly gone with an ankle injury, watching the rest of the game on the sidelines. So much for his healthy return. Shades of Le' Veon Bell was what went through my mind.
- Luckily, running back #2, Benny Snell, Jr., stepped up to the plate, rushing for 113 yards on 19 carries. Snell reminds me of the Bus, busting through defenders seeking that hole, but he can't be the only one.
- Not only was it the return of Ben, but we saw the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster! Healthy himself, and back with "my quarterback", the twenty-three-year-old Smith-Schuster not only scored twice, but he hopped on a loose fumble for recovery and nabbed the Giants on-side kick.
- Injuries abound because, yeah, it's a violent sport, and it's the Steelers. Besides Conner, the Steelers lost right tackle Zach Banner, who was carted off the field.
- The offensive line had some early issues but tweaked it well enough that Ben had good protection in the pocket to throw. That's going to be the must again this year, as is the defense.
- Speaking of the defense, as the O-line, it took a while to get into the swing of things, but with a Vince Williams sack, a TJ Watt's interception, and then Cam Heyward's interception in the endzone, the Steelers defense proved once again how formidable they are, especially by holding Giants running back Saquon Barkley to only six yards.
- Tight End--former Colts--Eric Ebron and second-round draft pick Chase Claypool made a splash, the latter making an AB toe touching 28-yarder grab on the sideline. Always good to have other weapons on the field to spread the love.
I'm excited, but not getting ahead of myself. Yes, the scuttlebutt talks of Super Bowl contention is floating in the air around us, but this was only week one. I want this team to take it day to day, one game at a time, but I'm seeing signs everywhere I look that this is sure going to be fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment