{"id":1452,"date":"2016-09-13T11:40:20","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T15:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=1452"},"modified":"2022-02-02T18:50:00","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T23:50:00","slug":"steelers-handle-redskins-38-16-monday-night-football-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/09\/13\/steelers-handle-redskins-38-16-monday-night-football-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers Week One Takeaways"},"content":{"rendered":"

In what was a close game at halftime, the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/strong> scored 24 points in the second half to outlast the Washington Redskins<\/strong> on Monday Night Football<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers Week One Takeaways <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

But like he has throughout his career, quarterback\u00a0Ben Roethlisberger<\/a><\/strong> settled down and got the ball into his playmakers hands. \u00a0After those first two drives, Pittsburgh would score on six out of their next seven drives to end the game.<\/p>\n

Ben Roethlisberger\u00a0to Antonio Brown<\/a> is a Lethal Combo<\/h3>\n

Ben Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 passes for 300 yards with three touchdown’s and one bad luck interception, while Antonio Brown<\/strong> caught eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. \u00a0While the statistics may jump out at you, what doesn’t show up in the box score is the undeniable connection Roethlisberger and Brown share.<\/p>\n

On many occasions throughout the night, Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown for a big play when Pittsburgh needed it the most. \u00a0None more evident than on the first fourth down attempt of the year.<\/p>\n

With the Steelers down 6-0, Pittsburgh faced a fourth and one on the Washington 29 yard line. \u00a0The Redskins<\/strong> jammed the box expecting a run but happened to leave the best wide receiver in the NFL<\/strong> single covered by second-year cornerback Bashaud\u00a0Breeland<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Roethlisberger calmly faked the run and proceeded to drop an absolute dime to Antonio Brown over Breeland before safety DeAngelo Hall<\/a><\/strong> could come over to help. \u00a0Vintage Roethlisberger to Brown.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Brown and Roethlisberger look to be in mid-season form which is excellent for Steelers fans, yet terrifying for the rest of the NFL.<\/p>\n

Roethlisberger also made history on Monday night. \u00a0He is the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 500 passes to three different receivers (Hines Ward<\/a><\/strong>, Heath Miller<\/a><\/strong>, and Antonio Brown).<\/p>\n

With his second passing touchdown of the night, Roethlisberger passed Joe Montana<\/a><\/strong> (13th) on all-time passing list, and after\u00a0his third of the night sits tied with Vinny Testaverde<\/a><\/strong> for 12th all time. \u00a0Roethlisberger is seven touchdowns behind 11th place, Philip Rivers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

DeAngello Williams is Like a Fine Wine<\/h3>\n

He just keeps getting better with age. \u00a0I know, I know, lame pun. \u00a0But it couldn’t be truer. \u00a0DeAngelo Williams<\/a><\/strong> (33 years old) is tied for being the oldest running back in the NFL, but you would never guess it after watching him play.<\/p>\n

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. \u00a0Williams consistently found the open hole and showed the quick burst and decisiveness which made him the 27th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

DeAngelo Williams carried 26 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. \u00a0He 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.<\/p>\n

The Steelers will need this type of production from DeAngelo Williams until starter Le’Veon Bell<\/a><\/strong> returns week four from his suspension. \u00a0As witnessed last year, Williams is fully capable of handling the workload and being the top back for the Steelers.<\/p>\n

Ryan Shazier<\/a> is really, really good<\/h3>\n

After breaking out in 2015, Steelers fans should be enthralled with the\u00a0play of middle linebacker Ryan Shazier<\/strong>. \u00a0Shazier is clearly the most athletic defender we have, and it showed on Monday night.<\/p>\n

Shazier totaled five tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble on the night and was around the ball on almost every play. \u00a0His quickness to the ball and explosive finishes make him the most dynamic play-maker on defense – evidenced by his forced fumble and interception.<\/p>\n

To make things worse for opposing offenses, Ryan Shazier is still learning. \u00a0Shazier has always been a great run defender and is now learning the intricacies of playing zone coverage in Keith Butler<\/a>‘s<\/strong> defense.<\/p>\n

Shazier’s interception was a thing of beauty. \u00a0Shazier read\u00a0Kirk Cousins<\/a><\/strong> eyes as tight end Jordan Reed<\/a><\/strong> ran a deep crossing pattern in between Shazier and free safety Michael Mitchell<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Shazier identified the route and the receiver\u00a0and made an athletic leaping catch in front of Reed. \u00a0What’s even more impressive was the interception return in which Shazier scampered almost 50 yards down to the Washington 10 yard line. \u00a0The return would later be nullified by a block in the back call.<\/p>\n

One thing is clear…Shazier has absolute star potential in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

Worth Noting<\/h3>\n

Tight End Jesse James<\/a><\/strong> – five receptions for 31 yards – seems to have built a nice connection with Roethlisberger. \u00a0Light years away from Heath Miller’s<\/strong> productivity, but has improved with every opportunity he’s received. \u00a0Real bright future.<\/p>\n

Wide Receiver Eli Rogers<\/a><\/strong> – six receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown – tied for second on the team in receptions. Really impressed with his debut. \u00a0Lights didn’t seem to bright for him. \u00a0Occupied the middle of the field and found space to operate. \u00a0Has Pittsburgh found another wide receiver gem? \u00a0I think so.<\/p>\n

Offensive Line – allowed only one sack of Roethlisberger all night. \u00a0Paved the way for 149 rushing yards, and 300 passing yards.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n