Steelers Pitch Second Shuout of Season with Routine 27-0 Win over Rams
by Michael Bean on Dec 24, 2011 4:49 PM EST
in Steelers Postgame Recap and Review
Email
PrintComing off a Week 15 loss in which not much went right, the Pittsburgh Steelers bounced back in the second to last weekend of the 2011 season with a 24-0 shutout victory over the St. Louis Rams. Pittsburgh entered the week allowing 15.57 points per game, the second fewest in the league. Sunday's shutout, the second of the season (Week 3 vs. SEA), lowered that total to 14.3. A few quick notes on the solid win:
- Dick LeBeau's defense allowed just 232 yards despite being on the field for 67 plays. 3.7 yards per play allowed is a winning figure.
- Offensively, the Steelers were balanced and efficient, picking up 169 yards rushing and 208 yards passing for a total of 377 for the afternoon. Rashard Mendenhall eclipsed the 100-yard plateau for just the second time this season. He finished with 116 yards and 1 TD on 18 carries. Isaac Redman (8 att. 35 yards) and John Clay (1 att. 10 yards) also found the endzone. Congratulations to Clay on his first career touchdown. Called up from the practice squad this week, the Wisconsin native scored on his very first regular season NFL touch from 10 yards out.
- Hats off to Rams RB Steven Jackson for his performance on Sunday and for keeping a quietly remarkable streak alive. Jackson rushed for 103 yards on 24 carries, his fourth game this year with 100 or more ticks on the ground. Jackson needed just 36 yards to reach 1,000 for the sixth consecutive season. He surpassed the milestone and then some in the losing effort.
- We can thank Josh Brown for the shutout. The Rams' kicker missed from 52 and 33 yards out. Shuan Suisham, meanwhile, rebounded from his crucial miss last week to connect from 49 to put Pittsburgh up by 13 early in the third quarter. Suisham also was true from 21 yards for the game's first points.
- Welcome back James Harrison. This defense is so much better when he's playing. Harrison registered his ninth sack of the season and finished with four total tackles.
- Lawrence Timmons was everywhere, taking down Rams a total of ten times, seven unassisted. He also had his first sack of the season. That's four straight games with at least eight tackles for the standout inside linebacker.
- I guess that's why Mike Tomlin gives Charlie Batch the nod in the rare week that Ben Roethlisberger can't or is not allowed to play. Batch lived up to his cliched reputation as a suitable game manager by 15-of-22 passes for 208 yards. He did not throw a TD pass, but he came awful close late in the game when he connected with Mike Wallace for a 49-yard completion that was initially called a touchdown, but ultimately reversed and spotted down at the 1 yard line. Batch did make one mistake with his pick, but all in all, a job well done by the veteran.
More soon from the rest of the day's action. Go Steelers!
76 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Next week...
Now let’s all root for the bengals! I actually think they will handle the ravens handily. I thought for sure the dolphins would pull out that one. Here we go… #2 seed
by sweedemotions on Dec 24, 2011 5:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
#2 seed?
Go Bengals, Go Bills!! I’m still holding out hope for the #1 seed.
by BamaBlacknGold on Dec 24, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions
The Cincy Tigers certainly have the incentive
More impressive, except for their second Steelers game they have been within seven points in their other five losses. Baltimore certainly knows what they’re up against. Should be interesting.
Problem in the NFL is how many times the team who needs it more manages to lose. Stoopid parity.
If the Patriots get the #1 seed
then the Steelers getting the #2 seed, will be just as good as #1. The way Denver and Miami jumped out early on the Patriots, NE is going to keep it’s “one and done” play off streak alive, and make an early exit, once they have to face quality opponents in the playoffs.
by Greig Clawson on Dec 25, 2011 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
Batch is a solid and experienced back-up QB, should have used him last week. Good job holding down the fort.
Yeah
Although I dont think we would have won that game with Batch.
No....
But it would have give Large Benjamin another week to get healthy.
They stated that his ankle is no worse for having played
by worldtrip on Dec 24, 2011 8:30 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I still worry about his thumb
Ignoring one injury is tough but I think ignoring two is just that much more difficult. The guy is a warrior but I would rather he was a healthier warrior.
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Dec 25, 2011 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
Easy to say in hindsight,
but we’re used to Ben performing miracles even when injured.
by LeBeau-a-Constrictor on Dec 24, 2011 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
I haven't watch the steelers outside of the pats game at all during the whole season (yes, i know im a bad fan)
But my question is why is dennis dixon thought so little off, i remember last season he was being considered as a valuable player with trade value.
Where is the meatloaf?
part of the reason is...
he was offered a contract in the offseason, and he decided he wanted to “shop himself to other teams”. then came back crawling when none showed interest. remember there was some chatter on here that it pissed off the front office. not a good soldier. i’m sure others will provide better insight.
by BoiseSteeler on Dec 24, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
On top of that
Sporadic accuracy, needs to be more patient before running, easily injured. Those are some of the chief concerns.
Batch knows how to not screw a game up. Dixon may be a better playmaker, but Batch will get you there as long as everybody else handles their duties.
I think Dixon is a guy you put into the middle of a big game when your starter goes out. Batch is the guy you start if you have to pick one or the other. Batch is a better complete game manager.
agree
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 25, 2011 12:34 AM EST up reply actions
Dixon's
frailty notwithstanding, I don’t mind seeing him tuck it and run. It’s probably going to be a ‘positive’ play…not to mention he has that look of “Hey there, I don’t look like I’m running hard, pardon me as I blow by you down the sideline” in the open field.
At least then he isn’t trying to fire it into triple coverage on one leg in the red zone…for example.
But yeah, he does have a history of getting banged up, so there is always that to consider.
by pistil_stamen on Dec 25, 2011 2:24 AM EST up reply actions
Browns brown the bed again
Down 6. 2 minutes to go. Ravens have the ball at 4th and 2. Way outside FG range. Everyone and their mom saw the fake snap count coming. Except the one Brown defender who gave the game away by jumping offsides. Are you effing kidding me? Stoopid Cleveland.
by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 24, 2011 6:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
In all fairness
They didn’t give the game away. They were down 6. They had to go TAKE the game from Baltimore and they failed to do that during that entire game.
In all fairness
I hate em and they stank! Love me some Bengals next week!
by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 24, 2011 8:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That was Phil Taylor
STUPID rookie!
Stay thirsty my friends.
by SteelerMessican on Dec 25, 2011 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Typical Clowns
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
--Aristotle
by steelerstyle on Dec 26, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Takin Care of Business !
although the Rams are a weak team, the Steelers showed up in a big way. Dominating a team at this point in the season does a lot rolling into the play-offs. Antonio Brown was amazing; just a complete football player. Charlie Batch; didn’t just “manage the game”, but did a couple of Big Ben getaways and threw some pretty passes; the 1 interception wasn’t his fault. Ike Taylor stoned the one threat (B Lloyd) the Rams had in the passing game. And the 3rd string O-Line kept the Rams pass rush off Batch all game long; and dominated in the running game. Kapinos & Suisam had strong bounce-back games. Well played all around !
" I think this is probably the best team ever assembled. They talk about the Vince Lombardi Era, but I think the Chuck Noll Era is even greater. " - Mel Blount
big stuff today, for sure
I just have to wonder why we pick week-to-week how much to press the opposing receivers. It seems to work so well, and though we supposedly have the best pass defense in the league, why not play more press man?
BIGGEST FARCE in the AFC North
they squeaked a 2nd win on us, and yeah scumbag trolls you swept us this year, but you SUCK, your quarterback is a BROKEASS JOKE
TICAL BABY
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
by TVsCHACHI on Dec 24, 2011 6:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions
bring
it Chachi
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 25, 2011 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
Great game
The Hate Guide is directing things perfectly. Bengals now have the motivation to win next week, the Tebows lost, Lions clinched their spot (and I won a bet as a result), Jets got humbled. And a Stiller shutout. Woohoo!
That was an excellent game played and I’d say the shoutout goes to our secondary. Gay made great tackles in the run game, Lewis played lights out, Polamalu was his usual otherwordly god-like self. Clark made some good tackles too.
Request for next weeks hate guide.
Extra hate for the Pats, please.
by BamaBlacknGold on Dec 24, 2011 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
On 2nd Thought
I don’t know if I CAN hate them more.
this
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 25, 2011 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
Troy
He looked like his old self yesterday and it was grand.
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Dec 25, 2011 1:44 AM EST up reply actions
A 100 yard rushing performance against the Steelers' D and they pitch a shutout? That's a weird combo.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Franco Harris:
"If I had to choose today between the moral integrity and character of Joe Paterno and the politicians and commentators criticizing him, I would pick Joe Paterno, hands down, no contest every time."
Yeah
Shows you how stats can mean very little at the end of the day.
Bottom line is, they had a QB with like 2 days of preparation and he couldn’t sustain drives. Our D played lights out, but if they had even a semi competent QB they could have put up a fight.
They have very solid DB play in their young corners, but the front 7 has a lot of problems.
Good O line on their side of the ball too but again, crappy QB can’t make plays and they need WRs badly.
This is a strange Steelers defense this year
They are highly ranked in certain categories, but the splash plays are pretty rare this year. 2008 was just heaven and early 2010 was the best ever for intimidation. This defense is kind of nameless and just smothering, without much flash at all. If it can all come together in January it could be a thing of beauty. I want to see a few games with Woodley and Harrison both starting and it looks like the playoffs is the only chance.
Merry Christmas dude I appreciate the level you take the Hate to. Silky Johnson would be proud.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Franco Harris:
"If I had to choose today between the moral integrity and character of Joe Paterno and the politicians and commentators criticizing him, I would pick Joe Paterno, hands down, no contest every time."
Another thing of note
Is that 3/4ths of the NFC West has an elite running back.
Lynch hung a century on the Niners D this past week, and scored the first rush TD of the season against them. Seahawks lost.
Re: The Rams, if Steven Jackson had played for a better team during his career, he’d be in the talk with AP, CJ2K, etc as “the best”. Or, CJ2K from last year.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Dec 27, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Dolphins.....what bunch of idiots!
Leading 17-0 at the half and then score just 1 TD in the second half against the cheaters.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
Mechem, I expect the hate to be out in full force next week against the Ratbirds and the Cheatriots
and I think you should post your Hate Guide a week early and only do games that affect the Steelers so we focus all our hate in the right areas. Merry Christmas and I expect a truly epic hate guide next week.
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
by seton hall and steelers on Dec 24, 2011 9:38 PM EST reply actions
I like this idea
Focused hate brings better results. And more time to stew over it is just what we need. I’ll have it up once the rest of the action finishes.
And I HATE that there’s no football until tonight, and there was no football last night. Basically the league just gave us a 24 hour no football window and that STANKS. I want something to watch all day dammit.
How bad was Charlie's INT, really?
He slipped, Brown slipped and the CB did his job.
Truth be told, before Brown slipped what Charlie was looking at was man coverage with no assistance on one of the NFL’s best wideouts.
The game next weekend was moved to 4:15 which means we will know whether or not we can win the division
I think if the Ratbirds lose, Ben plays. If not, Batch plays.
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
by seton hall and steelers on Dec 24, 2011 10:04 PM EST reply actions
I think even the ravens game has moved to 4:15
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
Harbaugh
He cried about the Steelers game being flexed so they threw him a bone too.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 24, 2011 10:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I have a VERY strong feeling the Ravens are losing to the Bengals
" I think this is probably the best team ever assembled. They talk about the Vince Lombardi Era, but I think the Chuck Noll Era is even greater. " - Mel Blount
by michaelbro8 on Dec 24, 2011 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
There
Is a monkey on their back…they thought the icy bath of Gatorade had washed it off for good on that fateful Sunday night. Alas, here they are, one mistake away from the Wild Card round yet again, playing a team that would love nothing more than to beat them. Will they summon the will to win from the depths of their stupid mustaches? Or will they be making plans for a trip back to lovely Pittsburgh sometime in the middle of January?
by pistil_stamen on Dec 25, 2011 2:14 AM EST up reply actions
I think the not ready for prime time Bengals are going to get their asses kicked
by worldtrip on Dec 25, 2011 1:21 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Well maybe not get their asses kicked, but I do think the Ravens will win
by worldtrip on Dec 25, 2011 1:26 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Cincy
always plays Baltimore tough…so I don’t think an ass kicking will be in the cards. They may have the lead, but they are definitely looking in the rearview mirror.
by pistil_stamen on Dec 26, 2011 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
Anyone know where the Ratbird Cincy game is being played?
"It's a dog eat dog world and I'm wear'in milkbone underwear" - Norm
Cincy
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 25, 2011 1:27 AM EST up reply actions
This is the only reason I hold any hope of winning the division.
CIncy will play hard, last game of the season, to prove a point. Hopefully home field advantage is just enough to pull it out.
Cincy wins by 3 in the last minute.
Cincy will play hard cause they're in the play-off hunt
And I’ve yet to see Flacco play well when the heat is on
" I think this is probably the best team ever assembled. They talk about the Vince Lombardi Era, but I think the Chuck Noll Era is even greater. " - Mel Blount
Hard to have home field advantage...
…when you can’t even sell out your own stadium with a playoff spot in contention
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
by PaVaSteeler on Dec 26, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Man
Chaz Batch…I love that guy. I remember that 2005 game in Green Bay where Pittsburgh just totally grinded out that win with him under center. The 2006 opener against Miami…Heath Miller STREAKING 86 yards. Then the Tampa game last year.
Add this one to the list.
Not many teams in the league would have beaten Pittsburgh today…total team effort and great execution. That starts at the top with the coach and the Quarterback. They kicked the hell out of a team they should have beaten badly, even when faced with significant adversity…that’s what great teams do.
Green Bay’s run last year started with a loss to New England. They played with Matt Flynn under center and almost beat NE with a completely depleted roster. Things just came together for them after that.
I think the staff waited far too long to go to Batch. Roethlisberger can’t even walk with a normal gait…how the hell is he supposed to play quarterback? Hell, they should stick with Batch until #7 is near 100%. For Pittsburgh to win on the road in the playoffs they will need to grind it out, take care of the football, and limit teams to field goals. 20 carries for Mendenall, 7-10 for Redman every game would be a great goal.
Do you realize that there was not a single sack recorded on Batch today? Oh, the backup left guard was playing center for nearly every snap of this game. A line that featured Jonathan Scott at ANY position kept their QB (mostly) upright for the entire contest. WHAT?? That is the most incredible stat of the season, hell that might be the most impressive stat of the Mike Tomlin era. ZERO SACKS?
Take care of bidness in Cleveland and keep our fingers crossed…that’s all we can hope for now.
Great win.
Great points
But the Rams have the pass rush of a 12 year old girl.
However given the rather ragged state of our O-line that still was a solid performance. Chaz did some razzle dazzle Ben stuff on that first drive, I swear that first play was friggin awesome. It was about a split second from being a strip sack.
True
However, since 2007 there have been times when 12 year old girls would have found a way to get to the quarterback.
That near strip-sack that you speak of reminded me of when Cosmo Kramer was trying out to be a ball-boy at the US Open…“I may be old, but I’m pretty spry”.
by pistil_stamen on Dec 25, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Charlie was great.
I never understand these people who say they’re afraid to see Batch play. He’s a gamer.
too bad...
i was at work when the game was being played..so thank the lord for nfl.coms play by play chart. omg i loved it..went crazy the whole time….whats the status of doug legz injury???
"HUCK IT...CHUCK IT...FOOTBALL" zach n miri make a porno
He
completely whiffed on a block and somehow came out of it with a busted up arm/shoulder. I was at the bar, so I couldn’t hear what the injury was.
by pistil_stamen on Dec 25, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
More oddly
They say its his left shoulder and he fell on his right shoulder harder.
The block wasn’t really a whiff, the defender just went way low and away from Legursky. Legs just kinda rolled over him somersault style. Defender didn’t make the play so call it what you will, but Legs certainly didn’t expect the defender to dive low and flip him over.
I don’t mean to say the defender did anything intentionally either, he just didn’t wanna get pancaked into the Heinz swamp bog turf.
You're Right
I only saw one reply of it and thought it was ironic and somewhat amusing that the backup center would get injured on a play where there was such minimal contact.
by pistil_stamen on Dec 25, 2011 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Ravens
Anyone see that flacco spiked the ball after the offsides call on the brownies? Dude. Act like you’ve been there before. A subtle spike but a spike nonetheless. We’ve had our share of close ones but that just rubs me the wrong way. Bengals 31-ravens 28.
"My baby...my mechanical masterpiece. So nearly complete. So nearly perfect. If I only had a living brain."--Evil Scientist, Looney Toones, circa 1952
"Well you're better than any player I ever had. And you're the best God damn hitter I ever saw. Suit up."--Pop Fisher, THE NATURAL
by SaratogaSteelerFan on Dec 25, 2011 5:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Its hard to act
Like you’ve been there before, when you haven’t.
That’s why for the Ravens, it really is just an act. And they’re some terrible actors. They have the emotional composure of a 2 year old.
Gatorade baths in week 9, spikes when you get away from the Browns, constant media whoring and tons of whining from the HC make this team the most bitch-like team in the NFL.
week 1, week 9, and week 12. Three showers before the playoffs start…the staple of winners everywhere.
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
indeed
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 26, 2011 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
I think
it’s safe to say that you can add “stupid mustaches” to that list.
by pistil_stamen on Dec 26, 2011 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Win when you have to.
So the steelers have beaten who they should beat. Let’s remember they have lost (4) to teams with bigger stronger lines. A 1 dimensional ram team still got a 100 yard rusher. I am concerned about that. They did balance the offense a bit better.
Impose your will.
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
"Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history."
Art Rooney Jr.
"Level-headed thinking." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Related FanPosts on Behind the Steel Curtain
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
