Bulletin: Assessing the Steelers’ 16 week victory over the Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers achieved what seemed impossible! To lose by 17 at the start of the second half to celebrate the victory and an AFC North title when the clock struck zero. The attack also finally seemed to hit the stride once again, when Ben Roethlisberger stopped thinking about everything and just played football. The Steelers are back on the winning streak and, man, that’s always a good thing.

We will evaluate the team and highlight some individual performances. You may think my grades are correct, you may also think that I am an idiot. Regardless, express your opinion in the comments below.

Lets do this…

Offense

Serie B

If you want a note for the first half, it’s an F, if you want a note for the second half, it’s an A. But because of how good the attack was when finishing this game, I’m going to give them a final score of B because they really deserved it.

Ben Roethlisberger went back in time and looked excellent. If Ben had played like he did in the second half of last month, I’m not sure if the Steelers would have missed any of those games. He saved his own ass from the possibility of being a casualty at the end of the season and, suddenly, the Steelers recovered their former quarterback from the hall of fame.

The receivers called as soon as Chase Claypool got involved again. Apparently turning on the switch as soon as it hit its first target. James Conner seemed quite relieved to Benny Snell and suddenly the Steelers’ best running back tends to be the one who starts the game as a back up …

It was also nice to see Eric Ebron attack his old team in the second half touchdown. I am satisfied with the performance and hopeful that we can see more of that in the playoffs.

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Defense

Serie B

The defense gave up many long shots to my liking in the first half. However, they are badly hurt right now, so I’ll give them a chance. TJ Watt had a good day picking up a couple of bags, and he really should have at least a few calls on hold.

I have some concerns about the seven forwards giving up long runs for Jonathan Taylor in the first half. It came back after the break, but this unit is better than that. Avery Williamson and Vince Williams were somewhat exposed in the passing game, but with Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane set to return in the coming weeks it may help with this problem.

The secondary looked good, except for Joe Haden being burned by a goal, but they can’t be perfect every moment of every game. Overall it was a good game, but I expect more from this unit.

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Special Teams

Note: C +

Jordan Berry had a good day playing punk. Matthew Wright reached his extra points. Ray Ray McCloud took a few yards on his returns. And the kick coverage team did not give up on anything unusual.

The punts boost the note, but a very imperceptible day for the special teams. Which, honestly, is a good thing.

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Coaching

Note: C +

After the first half I was prepared to fire everyone, the second half saved everyone’s jobs … This is difficult to assess because how much success resulted from Ben Roethlisberger playing better football?

I am going to credit Mike Tomlin for keeping his guys in the game and focused on recovering from a 17 point difference. Most other teams would have given up, so he deserves the credit. Keith Butler also had another very good day. The run blitz is kind of bad, but I think it has more to do with Avery Williamson not being Devin Bush and missing Bud Dupree.

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In general

Serie B-

They won the game when they really shouldn’t. This deserves enormous credit. The Steelers suffered a brutal second half to win the AFC North title and apparently put themselves back on track. I won’t go so far as to say that they are candidates for the Super Bowl, but I will say that I have much more faith in this team to not be embarrassed in the playoffs anymore.

The Steelers should be proud of this return and should be proud to wear those AFC North championship t-shirts. They deserved it and now they can get much needed rest in week 17.

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The Steelers now turn their attention to the Cleveland Browns, who have just been embarrassed against the New York Jets. The Browns will be fighting for a place in the playoffs, while the Steelers will be resting important players for the playoffs. Keep your eyes fixed on BTSC for the latest updates, reviews and previews for Steelers Week 17 to pair with the Browns.