Steelers Roll Over Jets 27-10
Steelers offense and defense were in total control over their convincing win over the NY Jets yesterday.
The story can be told all in the numbers.
Roethlisberger's dominant performance was one example. He went 24-for-31 for 275 yards and two touchdowns. The balanced attack resulted in the Steelers holding on to the ball for 36:36. Roethlisberger was so confident, he spread the ball to 10 receivers distressing the Jets secondary throughout the entire game. In addition, when plays broke down, Roethlisberger was typical Roethlisberger shaking off attacking defenders with relative ease. On one play, he escaped a rush throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace. Wallace's beautiful catch put the Steelers ahead 20-10 at that point in the game.
The Todd Haley effect was in full gear as described by former Steelers great, Jerome Bettis. "You saw a lot of quicker passes designed to get the ball out of his hand quicker...And you still saw some vintage Ben."
Helping Roethlisberger were Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, both making key catches in key situations. And then there was reliable Health Miller putting together two good games in a row.
While Antonio Brown also proved effective finishing with seven catches for 79 yards. He also ran the ball once for 9 yards.
Amazingly, the Steelers barely had a running game. RB Redman had only 25 yards on 12 carries. RB Jonathan Dwyer gained only 28 yards on 12 carries. Both backs averaged just over 2 yards per carry.
And while the Steelers offense did much to help the defense, the defense, without Polamalu and Harrison, came to play as well. Cornerback Ike Taylor took it to his former teammate Santonio Holmes all afternoon.
End Notes:
- The Steelers have won 10 straight home openers, the longest winning streak in the league.
- Roethlisberger is within 900 yards of surpassing 27,898 yards held by Terry Bradshaw.
Next Game:
Steelers at Raiders. 4:25 EDT
(Sources: Steelers.com/Yahoo News/NY Post/USA TODAY)
