The Good Stuff: Week #10

As usual, the Steelers didn't make it easy for themselves after jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the 1st quarter. Surrendering an odd-looking "Hail Mary" TD pass combined with an untimely bobble by Heath Miller that the Bengals intercepted, the Steelers allowed Cincinnati to hang pretty close until late in the game. But the final 24-17 score didn't begin to represent the difference between these two teams on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

As others have noted, however, most of the time you're not going to enjoy any style points in division rivalries of this nature. And while winning ugly might make you feel like putting your head through the drywall at times, it's far better than losing ugly. If you don't believe me, just ask the Baltimore Ravens. 

1) William Gay:  Gay has always appeared to me as a player on the verge of NFL success, but for some unknown reason, he never quite gets there.  Against the Bengals, though, Willie Gay not only got there but saved the game by playing a big role in 2 turnovers and also playing rock solid DB. If we can believe our eyes and Gay truly is in the midst of his breakout season, it couldn't happen to a better person.  Gay just might be one of those late-blooming players who hangs around longer than anyone expected.  He gets my game ball.

2) Ben Roethlisberger:  Ben might not have put up great numbers against the Bengals, but most of his passes were right on the money and his trademark elusiveness in the pocket made all the difference.  Ben also took a pretty good pounding out there, but fortunately he'll have two weeks to rehab some of his nagging injuries. It was a typical, gutsy performance by Ben--especially on the final drive that provided the margin of victory.

3) Antonio Brown:  While Mike Wallace gets most of the attention for his blazing speed, A. Brown is turning heads with his excellent route-running, superb hands and the ability to get extra yardage after the catch.  With Wallace and Heath Miller, Brown has become nearly impossible for Steeler opponents to stop consistently. He had another huge game in Cincinnati and he already must be considered as one of the best WRs in the NFL.

4) Jeremy Kapinos:  We know Jeremy's story but he seems determined to make Pittsburgh his final stopping point in the NFL.  Solid kicking in the past two games after being brought in cold when Sepulveda reinjured his leg. Daniel who?

5)  Rashard Mendenhall:  I've always thought it was pointless to compare Mendy with Redman as some fans constantly are trying to do. Mendy is a thoroughbred RB with surprising toughness, as shown on his gutty 10-yard TD run. Each week, Mendy looks more and more like a clutch producer who continually gets his team out of tough spots with big plays.   

The Steelers did precisely what needed to be done by coming home from Cincy with a big division win. Maybe it wasn't pretty but 7-3 is 7-3, no matter how you slice it. And with the Ravens playing poor football on the West Coast and losing to the Seahawks, the Steelers suddenly are in a position to control their own destiny. With a much-needed Bye Week ahead and a mostly-favorable schedule, we're right where we need to be at this stage.

So even though some of the offensive strategy we deployed on Sunday eludes me, I'm hoping that a more rested and healthier Steeler offense will emerge in time to make a serious run for the big prize.  Defensively as well, if we can get some people healthy for the stretch run, I'd say the Steelers will be just fine, thank you.

GO STEELERS!!!