PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 29: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers escapes the tackle of Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens on September 29, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 23-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Why does it seem like the Steelers' new-look offense is always a work in progress?
A big run here. A key interception there.
A first down here. A false start there.
Where's the consistency? Where's the rhythm?
Most of all, where are the points?
Give me the Steelers' old offense any day.
Instead of three-receiver sets, how about three extra blockers to cover Ben Roethlisberger's blind side, front side and backside?
The Steelers went eight consecutive quarters - the equivalent of two games - without a touchdown before Roethlisberger's 38-yard scoring toss to Santonio Holmes in the third quarter of Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
In spite of their continued offensive struggles, the Steelers hung around long enough to give their offense a chance to win a game in overtime they couldn't afford to lose.
Steelers 23, Ravens 20.
PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 29: Santonio Holmes #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a third quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens with Ben Roethlisberger #7 on September 29, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 23-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Fourteen quick third-quarter points wiped out a 10-point deficit and gave the Steelers a 17-13 lead. However, a surprisingly wobbly defense at key points in the game needed heroics from a once-struggling Roethlisberger to send the contest into overtime.
With an embarrassing loss at Philadelphia in the rear-view mirror and Sunday night's game at Jacksonville looming, the Steelers still came out flat against Baltimore.
The Ravens actually had control of the game - and a 10-point lead - until the Steelers' finally offense awoke from its season-long hibernation.
Roethlisberger's quick strike to Holmes was not only Holmes' first touchdown catch of the season, it was Roethlisberger's first touchdown pass since the opener.
If ever there was a moment that the Steelers needed Roethlisberger to lead the offense out of the darkness, this was it.
Booed in the first half, Roethlisberger heard cheers following the touchdown pass to Holmes, who cut across the middle and sidestepped potential tacklers in a spectacular highlight-film sequence.
Given a second chance, along with a chance to catch its collective breath, the Steelers defense created some more offense.
Right outside linebacker James Harrison, as annoying as a pebble in a shoe to the Ravens, sacked rookie quarterback Joe Flacco from behind, forcing a fumble.
Left outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley recovered the fumble and stumbled his way into the end zone for the go-ahead score.
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed, right, kicks the game-winning field goal out of the hold by Mitch Berger in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008. The Steelers won 23-20.
Last year, the Steelers offense put constant pressure on the defense with inconsistency play. Time after time, the defense, ranked No. 1 in the NFL, bailed out the offense.
In a classic case of role reversal, the Steelers defense yielded a fourth-quarter touchdown making the score 20-20 after Roethisberger guided the offense to a Jeff Reed field goal following a 49-yard bomb to Hines Ward.
The question was did Roethlisberger have any magic left in his right arm to pull a vicrtory out of thin air? They pay Big Ben the big bucks for a reason, and he delivered as needed.
John Harris is a sports writer for the Tribune-Review. He can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
No comments:
Post a Comment