The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Cincinnati for key divisional game that could only be categorized as must win. Facing the AFC North leaders at Paul Brown Stadium, the Steelers were able to ride a 25-point fourth quarter to a 42-21 win, and are now are poised to make a run at the division crown with three games left to go.
Let’s give them some marks.
Quarterback: It was yours truly who wrote last week that Ben Roethlisberger would have to play at an elite level if the Steelers were going to win over the final four weeks of the season, and Roethlisberger certainly delivered. After struggling early to get the offense into the end zone, Roethlisberger was able to throw three touchdowns, two in the second half, including a picture perfect 94-yard bomb to Martavis Bryant that put the Steelers up 35-21.
Roethlisberger went 25/39 for 350 yards and three TD’s, and showed no signs of any lingering effects from his bruised wrist. Grade: A
Running Back: If there is a more complete back in the league than Le’Veon Bell, I have yet to see him. Bell was once again a three down workhorse, rushing for 185 yards on 26 carries, and adding six catches for another 50 yards. Bell scored three touchdowns, two on the ground and one through the air. The Bengals simply had no answer for Bell, who was easily the best player on the field on Sunday. At this rate, I think it’s impossible not to consider Bell a legitimate MVP candidate. Grade: A+
Wide Receiver: Another week, another game of Antonio Brown getting the job done. Six catches, 117 yards means just another ho-hum day at the office for Brown, who has to be a serious candidate for All-Pro in a year where numerous WR’s are having big years. Bryant’s 94-yard TD grab was a back breaker and was a great way to break out of his recent funk. Heath Miller had another productive day, pairing with Matt Spaeth to do a terrific job blocking and adding a TD catch. Grade: A
Offensive Line: After a poor showing last week against the Saints, the Steelers offensive line played tremendous. Not only was Roethlisberger given ample time to make plays (zero sacks allowed) the running game got rolling, especially in the second half. The Steelers just missed the 200 yard plateau on the ground (193 yards), and were able to grind away the second half by opening up holes for Bell. David DeCastro had one of the best games of his career, and showed his athleticism pulling on numerous plays throughout the game. He might be in line for his first Pro-Bowl. Kudos to Mike Adams for an excellent performance at right tackle. Grade: A
Defensive Line: With Brett Keisel out for the season and Steve McClendon coming back from a shoulder injury, the Steelers defensive line stepped up and played outstanding. Knowing it was a must to stop the 1-2 punch rushing attack of Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard, the Steelers rose to the occasion, holding the tandem to 63 yards combined. McClendon back in the fold at nose tackle was critical, and a significant upgrade over Cam Thomas. Cam Heyward added a sack, and Stephon Tuitt showed signs of being ready to contribute as a starter. Grade: A-
Linebackers: Solid day from the group. In particular, Arthur Moats filled in impressively for the injured James Harrison sacking Andy Dalton twice and also recovering a Dalton fumble. Jason Worlds gave up the edge on Dalton’s touchdown scamper, but otherwise, the linebacking core did yeoman’s work. Grade: B+
Secondary: Mixed bag for a group that has had their fair share of struggles this season. Ike Taylor continues to have his struggles in coverage, and gave up numerous big plays to A.J. Green. Troy Polamalu had some gaffes against the Bengal passing attack, including on Green’s 56-yard catch. William Gay played well for the most part, and give credit to Antwon Blake, who replaced an injured Taylor and did solid work covering Green in the second half. Mike Mitchell was not awful; something that has been rare this season. Grade: C
Special Teams: Another solid day for the reliable Shaun Suisham who nailed a key 44-yard field goal late. Brad Wing booted a 74-yard punt, which was the longest of his career. Return game continues to be below average, though Markus Wheaton has been an upgrade since replacing the now departed LeGarrette Blount returning kicks. Still waiting for a big return from Antonio Brown, who has been a bit of a disappointment returning punts. Grade: B-
Coaching: Hard not to look at this game and think a loss could have been the undoing of the 2014 season. Even facing a ton of injuries on defense, Mike Tomlin and staff had the Steelers ready to go. The Bengals had only lost once in their last 15 games at home, and had the third best record in the AFC coming into Sunday’s contest. Give Tomlin credit, his team played hard, and error free. The Steelers were only penalized three times for 20 yards. Grade: A
