THE GOOD: The Steelers get an AFC win. The Steelers have back-to-back wins. Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Ryan Fitzpatrick twice The Steelers run defense The Steelers had 4 QB Sacks TJ Watt J2S2 had 5 receptions for 103 yards 1 TD James Conner rushed 23 times for 145 yards 1 TD Mason Rudolph after 1st Quarter (Totals 20/36 completions for 251 yards 2 TD 1 INT) Boswell was 2/3 FG 3/3 XP (I believe it is his 1st missed FG this season and it was a 54 yard attempt) Mike Tomlin winning a challenge. THE BAD: The Start of the game where the Dolphins were up 14-0. The Steelers were trailing at halftime 14-10. Mason Rudolph in the 1st Quarter. Conner, Foster, Snell injuries THE UGLY: That the Steelers appeared to be in serious jeopardy of losing (for a period of time) to a Dolphins team that is undergoing significant upheaval. Le'Veon Bell rushed 9 times for 23 yards on Sunday
Not what I expected to be honest. I really thought this team would come out on fire. But after mulling over the beginning of the game with the rest of the game I really can't judge this performance because of Rudolph coming back from a concussion he was a good bit rusty. He definitely played better than Ben would coming off a concussion. Ben would have lost that game if he had a concussion his last game.
With the win my projected record remains at 7-9. I have them winning again next week but after last night I’m not sure if they will. Let’s see.
It was indeed his first miss and i believe had it made the kick it would have been his career long. Personally i would have either went for it or punted in that spot but thats just me.
The Good: Defense locking down and giving up only 250 total yds (excluding ST) Effectively using Conner when he was having a solid game (10 carries {5.8 per} in the 1st half) - ripped nearly 100 yds in the 2nd half Diontae Johnson - open ... a lot - made outstanding plays - also, in effect, opened up J2S2 for some action Minkah X2 picks Sacks - Turnovers - Watt&Co The Bad: The first quarter in general MR2 (1/7 14 yds 1 Int) until the O-line started to get going 4th quarter FG/Punt decision... that call was 50/50 but the FG was a miss so... BAD Not sure why Conner was out there for the final series - game was in hand & The Ugly: Current losing record The significant injuries (Conner in particular)
I was most impressed with: Mason Rudolph. To have that kind of 1st quarter, shake the rust off... whatever, to dominating the next 3. Mistakes galore, decisions of questionable repute, taking the early boo birds (shame on them) taking unnecessary hits... and lead his team to a 27 point unanswered second quarter and second half. I found that performance impressive. There's more where that came from JuJu, James and Diontae. Mason liked deep in college and this trio showed a great resilience to lack of playing time together, injury and a blossoming(?) QB all in their first game back... and look what they did 100+ for JuJu, 80+ Diontae, 21 James (it was third and 20) for the first down. JuJu stealing balls away from defenders ... James absolutely sloberknocking the last block to get Diontae in. By the way Diontae is fast and has moves .. just wait til they all, as a receiving group + QB actually get in sync ... again, there's more where that came from was James a man among men ? 145 yards when they knew he was going to be leaned on. I cannot think of single back in Steeler history who has ever given us more effort to his running than James. He is simply a force to be reckoned with in regards to mental toughness and desire. I hope his body holds out. Lack of his contribution because of injury could be the final nail. Our defense is about a half a light yer ahead of the offense as far as NFL ready is concerned, right? I think they haven't touch the last rung let alone the ceiling. Each week they act more cohesively. They're seemingly getting a feel for 11 bodies,one mind. TJ actually stole that freaking ball ... on the way down had the presence of mind to realize the movement of the ball in his direction. makes the tackle and ends the play the ball in his hand ... it's the immaculate deception... how did that magician do that in that amount of space and time ? It's what legends are made of, and if the defense continues on this upward trend, it could be legendary. Just look at their numbers now... Indianapolis will be a great test. The Boz... I love this guy... right attitude even in adversity... is having a great year... my only complaint is WHERE WERE YOU LAST YEAR ? <sigh> the life of a FG Kicker ... keep on keepin on Boz
