In what was a close game at halftime, the Pittsburgh Steelers scored 24 points in the second half to outlast the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football.
Pittsburgh Steelers Week One Takeaways
After accumulating just 37 yards of offense and an interception on eight plays after the first two drives of the game, things looked rather bleak for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense.
But like he has throughout his career, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger settled down and got the ball into his playmakers hands. After those first two drives, Pittsburgh would score on six out of their next seven drives to end the game.
Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown is a Lethal Combo
Ben Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 passes for 300 yards with three touchdown’s and one bad luck interception, while Antonio Brown caught eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. While the statistics may jump out at you, what doesn’t show up in the box score is the undeniable connection Roethlisberger and Brown share.
On many occasions throughout the night, Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown for a big play when Pittsburgh needed it the most. None more evident than on the first fourth down attempt of the year.
With the Steelers down 6-0, Pittsburgh faced a fourth and one on the Washington 29 yard line. The Redskins jammed the box expecting a run but happened to leave the best wide receiver in the NFL single covered by second-year cornerback Bashaud Breeland.
Roethlisberger calmly faked the run and proceeded to drop an absolute dime to Antonio Brown over Breeland before safety DeAngelo Hall could come over to help. Vintage Roethlisberger to Brown.
Not to be outdone by their first touchdown hookup, Roethlisberger and Brown hooked up again on a mirror-like 26-yard touchdown to put the Steelers up 24-6 in the 3rd quarter. Brown and Roethlisberger look to be in mid-season form which is excellent for Steelers fans, yet terrifying for the rest of the NFL.
Roethlisberger also made history on Monday night. He is the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 500 passes to three different receivers (Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Antonio Brown).
With his second passing touchdown of the night, Roethlisberger passed Joe Montana (13th) on all-time passing list, and after his third of the night sits tied with Vinny Testaverde for 12th all time. Roethlisberger is seven touchdowns behind 11th place, Philip Rivers.
DeAngello Williams is Like a Fine Wine
He just keeps getting better with age. I know, I know, lame pun. But it couldn’t be truer. DeAngelo Williams (33 years old) is tied for being the oldest running back in the NFL, but you would never guess it after watching him play.
Williams doesn’t seem to have missed a beat from his resurgent 2015 campaign in which he rushed for 907 yards, 11 TD’s and 40 receptions. Williams consistently found the open hole and showed the quick burst and decisiveness which made him the 27th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
DeAngelo Williams carried 26 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. He also played an integral part in the Steelers passing game as he caught six receptions for 28 yards and always seemed to be there when Roethlisberger needed to check down to avoid pressure.
The Steelers will need this type of production from DeAngelo Williams until starter Le’Veon Bell returns week four from his suspension. As witnessed last year, Williams is fully capable of handling the workload and being the top back for the Steelers.
Ryan Shazier is really, really good
After breaking out in 2015, Steelers fans should be enthralled with the play of middle linebacker Ryan Shazier. Shazier is clearly the most athletic defender we have, and it showed on Monday night.
Shazier totaled five tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble on the night and was around the ball on almost every play. His quickness to the ball and explosive finishes make him the most dynamic play-maker on defense – evidenced by his forced fumble and interception.
To make things worse for opposing offenses, Ryan Shazier is still learning. Shazier has always been a great run defender and is now learning the intricacies of playing zone coverage in Keith Butler‘s defense.
Shazier’s interception was a thing of beauty. Shazier read Kirk Cousins eyes as tight end Jordan Reed ran a deep crossing pattern in between Shazier and free safety Michael Mitchell.
Shazier identified the route and the receiver and made an athletic leaping catch in front of Reed. What’s even more impressive was the interception return in which Shazier scampered almost 50 yards down to the Washington 10 yard line. The return would later be nullified by a block in the back call.
One thing is clear…Shazier has absolute star potential in Pittsburgh.
Worth Noting
Tight End Jesse James – five receptions for 31 yards – seems to have built a nice connection with Roethlisberger. Light years away from Heath Miller’s productivity, but has improved with every opportunity he’s received. Real bright future.
Wide Receiver Eli Rogers – six receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown – tied for second on the team in receptions. Really impressed with his debut. Lights didn’t seem to bright for him. Occupied the middle of the field and found space to operate. Has Pittsburgh found another wide receiver gem? I think so.
Offensive Line – allowed only one sack of Roethlisberger all night. Paved the way for 149 rushing yards, and 300 passing yards.
Main Photo:
