Steelers and Giants: A Prizefight of Equals

Everybody seems to know what the problem with the Steelers is. The offensive line couldn’t protect Ben Roethlisberger from a horde of rocking chair bound grandmas. So, going into a game versus the world champions necessarily had this die-hard Black and Gold girl trembling in her Ward jersey.

I wasn’t nearly as appalled as I thought I would be. It looked like Big Ben was getting decent protection and only managed to take five sacks. It was the four interceptions that made the biggest impact where Ben was concerned. I wonder how many were coverage sacks because on replay it looked like everyone was covered.

The run blocking by the line was a thing of beauty, springing Mewelde Moore for some big gains. He had 84 yards on the day. It was also a momentous occurrence to see Nate Washington actually catch a pass! It truly is an amazing thing when a high paid receiver actually receives the ball . . . in his hands.

The defense was stand-up as usual. The goal line stand in the first half was an amazing display of brute force. Brandon Jacobs is a big guy, and yet he was stuffed every time he tried to gain that one yard. Yes, there was some controversy over the call. Take a look at the replay. The ball did not cross the plane of the goal line. The camera was positioned right on the line and it just did not pass. I felt that we did not get enough pressure on Manning, and that may have been the downfall on the last scoring drive. The run was stopped with excellent efficiency, but our downfield coverage was not as good as it has been.

I think what did us in the most was the injury to our long snapper. James Harrison did a brave thing going out there, but he wasn’t even close to the punter. I feel that it was the turning point of the game. If that punt gets off, I could trust the defense to hold them and protect that two point lead. The safety broke them – the whole team. It is unfortunate because I think they are the equal of the Giants or perhaps a little below them in execution. The defense gets the job done, and Ben can throw it when he’s got time.

The injuries in this game also merit some notice. Ryan Clark was having an outstanding game in the first half, but came out of the game with a shoulder injury. Willie Parker continues to stand on the sidelines, and I wonder if Casey Hampton was 100%. Punter Mitch Berger also looked gimpy, clutching his hamstring on the first punt of the game. No excuses for poor play, but certainly something to consider.

Another factor in the game was the missing Santonio Holmes. Santonio, don’t you remember Ricky Williams? You aren’t that great. Why would you put your career on the line for a bit of a buzz? Money is wasted on the stupid.

Summary: It was a game the Steelers coulda, shoulda won. It was close enough that the Giants looked worried, and that’s a pretty good place to have the defending World Champions. Next time – Super Bowl next time – it’ll be our turn.

Next week: Washington Redskins

I have a good feeling about this game. Their wins have been against Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans, Arizona, Dallas, and Philadelphia. With the exception of the last two, they haven’t faced anyone really impressive. Both of those teams have shown some serious flaws as the season has progressed. Not worried about Clinton Portis: the defense will eat him up. I predict: Steelers 21, Redskins 9.