Who gets the game ball for the Steelers’ win over the Broncos in Week 5?

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get back into the win column as they defeated the Denver Broncos by the score of 27-19 at Heinz Field. The win could be attributed to many factors where the team came through on both sides of the ball. Even though it wasn’t a perfect game, there were some good performances of note from the black and gold.

So who gets the game ball?

Each Steelers win this season, I will set forth nominations to receive the BTSC game ball. It does not necessarily have to be the best player on the field, but who really stepped up their game this particular week. It may not even be their best performance, but perhaps overcoming some adversity will also put someone in consideration. After the case is been made, you all decide which player takes home the honor.

Since last week was a loss and therefore the “Dud of the Week” let’s recap the results.

Week 4 “Dud of the Week” Winner: Ben Roethlisberger

This vote wasn’t even close as Roethlisberger had 85% percent o the votes. As much as I didn’t want to pile on after Roethlisberger ran away with this award the previous week, he had to be on the list again. Between missing several throws, with as many as two of them being of the touchdown variety, they were moments where it would have made all the difference in the world in the outcome had Ben Roethlisberger made the play. Teams are daring Roethlisberger to beat them and he doesn’t seem up to the challenge. Additionally, the Steelers had two turnovers on the day, a Roethlisberger fumble and a Roethlisberger interception.

I’m very grateful we finally get back to the positive side of things and get to hand out a game ball. I will remind everyone of the rules that it is individual players who will be in the running. Although it could be applicable, it will not be either position groups or coaches who are eligible for this designation as they are more in line for Jeff Hartman’s Winners and Losers article. So here are the nominations in no particular order:

Najee Harris

Despite exiting the game early with cramps, rookie running back Najee Harris had his first 100 yard rushing game of the season with 122 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. Harris also added another 20 receiving yards on two receptions. Despite not being able to be on the field to run out the clock at the end of the game, it was Harris’ performance which put the Steelers in their good situation in the fourth quarter.

Ben Roethlisberger

After being the “Dud of the Week” for the last two games, Ben Roethlisberger has his name listed again but in consideration for a game ball. Although he had a couple passes that could have ended up as interceptions, and he did have a fumble lost on a sack, Roethlisberger commanded the offense to 27 points and only had to throw the ball 25 times. With 15 completions, he had 253 yards and two touchdowns.

Chase Claypool

Coming off of injury, it seems Chase Claypool had stretches where he wasn’t on the field. But when he was, he often made the most of it. With five catches on six targets for 130 yards, Claypool also added a touchdown on the day.

Diontae Johnson

Despite being held in check a lot of the day with only two receptions on two targets, Diontae Johnson had 72 yards on the day. Most importantly, he got the Steelers on the scoreboard early with his 50 yard touchdown reception.

Minkah Fitzpatrick

When looking at the defense as a whole, it was tough to decide if any one player stood out more than another. But with Minkah Fitzpatrick notching 10 tackles on the day, his support in the run defense from the safety position was noteworthy to be in the running for the game ball.

So what do you think? Who deserves the game ball for the Steelers this week? Make sure you vote in the poll as this is how the winner will be determined. And of course, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.