A knee jerk reaction is defined by Webster's as an immediate unthinking emotional reaction. I have those often. I know you in Steeler Nation are prone to them too. While watching a possible pivotal game of the 2017 season, I recorded my initial thoughts with no time to reconsider them.
The Steelers win over the Bengals was dominant, but I still had doubts during the game. I recorded my initial thoughts and share them with Steeler Nation. Take these in. As always, I welcome you to weigh in.
- Vontaze Burfict started his usual chicanery on the second play of the game by trying to kick Rosie Nix in the face. Nix was smart to not retaliate.
- I actually felt that Nix was the MVP of the game for not only paving the way for Lev Bell, but ultimately for neutralizing Burfict and being the team bodyguard.
- If the season ended today, T.J. Watt is the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
- CBS runs a lot of promos for Survivor. Andy Dalton looks just like Patrick Bolton from this season. Spoiler alert, they were both voted off the island.
- I loved Artie Burns jumping the route and going for an early pick. It could have been disastrous, but it was a the move of a playmaker.
- Hilton wears No. 31 well. Donnie Shell wore it well too.
- Marvin Lewis' facial expressions makes me think he needs to secure a sponsorship with Dulcolax.
- I'm liking Vance McDonald, but he's got to catch that ball in the end zone.
- The fake punt was brilliant and stupid all at the same time. But it worked...so it's brilliant.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster is becoming a valuable weapon for the Steelers. The hide-and-seek celebration was really ridiculous though.
- Mike Tomlin's lack of clock management deserved the lip of Big Ben at the end of the half.
- It’s weird to see the first penalty come at the four minute mark of the second quarter between the Bengals and Steelers.
- Joe Mixon will emerge as one of the better backs in the league.
- That was the ultimate stiff arm by Le'Veon Bell on Dre' Kirkpatrick.
- Joe Haden is the X-factor for the 2017 Steelers secondary. Cleveland gave Steeltown a great gift.
- This was Ben Roethlisberger's finest game of the season.
- Overall...that was domination. A true statement win.
- The Bengals looked demoralized and exhausted, but December 4 in Queen City will not be a cakewalk.
As I replay the game more and more in my head, my perceptions will alter. But for now, you just got a glimpse of the first thoughts that popped in my mind.