{"id":35077,"date":"2017-12-12T08:46:25","date_gmt":"2017-12-12T13:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=35077"},"modified":"2017-12-12T08:46:25","modified_gmt":"2017-12-12T13:46:25","slug":"week-14-pittsburgh-steelers-takeaways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2017\/12\/12\/week-14-pittsburgh-steelers-takeaways\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 14 Pittsburgh Steelers Takeaways"},"content":{"rendered":"

Entering Week 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> had a chance to clinch an AFC North title with a win. The Baltimore Ravens<\/a> had different plans, looking to stay alive in the divisional race with a road win. While these two teams have played many defensive battles, this matchup quickly turned into a shootout. In the end, the Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked out their eighth straight victory in a 39-38 win over the Ravens. Pittsburgh\u2019s defense looked lost and out of place without their captain <\/span>Ryan Shazier<\/a><\/b>. Luckily, <\/span>Ben Roethlisberger<\/a><\/b> and <\/span>Antonio Brown<\/a><\/b> had career days to help lead Pittsburgh to victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Week 14 Pittsburgh Steelers Takeaways<\/span><\/h1>\n

Week 14 was an emotional Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. With the loss of Ryan Shazier for the season on a scary play in last week\u2019s win, everyone wanted to win for Shazier. Support was shown across the league and from Steelers nation for Shazier, who watched from his hospital bed. Without their captain and best player, the Steelers defense clearly struggled. The Steelers defense gave up 413 total yards to the Ravens offense. The defense will need to figure things out if they want to be successful next week against the New England Patriots<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roethlisberger\u2019s Recovering Well<\/span><\/h2>\n

The weak defensive showing was saved by an offensive explosion this week. Just a few weeks ago, people were questioning if Roethlisberger had enough in the tank to finish the season. This week, Roethlisberger had a career night when Pittsburgh needed him the most. Throwing the ball 66 times, a career high, Roethlisberger completed 44 passes for 506 yards. What Roethlisberger has displayed the past few weeks is that he can run this offense. Not only can he finish this season, but there are years left in him in a system that doesn\u2019t make him push the ball. <\/span><\/p>\n

Antonio Brown for MVP?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Another Steeler who had a career game is one who is having a career season. Antonio Brown was the biggest beneficiary of Roethlisberger\u2019s big night. Brown brought in 11 receptions for 213 yards. While Brown did not find the end zone, his big night helped Pittsburgh move the ball and score 39 points. No wide receiver in NFL history has ever won the MVP award. This year, Antonio Brown should certainly be considered for the award. His big numbers helped provide stability for Roethlisberger when he was struggling. Even more important is his contribution to the Steelers success this season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking Ahead to Patriots Week<\/span><\/h2>\n

Next week, the Steelers will face the Patriots in what is one of the biggest regular season matchups in recent memory. The winner of this matchup will almost certainly determine the number one seed in the AFC playoffs. While Pittsburgh locked up the AFC North this week, nothing is as important as home field advantage to this team. This team is looking to win a Super Bowl, and hosting the AFC Championship game helps that happen. While the Patriots have had the Steelers number recently, this team looks ready for redemption and their ninth straight win.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Image:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>