Film Room: Steelers find their stride early on Wild Card weekend

“The action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands” is known commonly as “revenge.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers were more or less embarrassed by the Miami Dolphins during the 2016 regular season. The offense displayed little to no spark and Pittsburgh left with a big fat “L.”

But there’s no need to live in the past, because what happened last Sunday at Heinz Field was indeed a revenge game for the Black & Gold.

Killer B’s

The three B’s were humming at Heinz on Sunday. Le’Veon Bell continued to amaze, as he totaled 167 yards rushing, and 2 touchdowns. Antonio Brown snagged 5 catches for 124 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger had a solid outing, only needing to complete 13 of his 18 pass attempts to secure victory (2 of those for touchdowns).

Ben had 2 interceptions on the day, but you could make the argument that the first one wasn’t his fault.

Brown’s two touchdowns came very early from Roethlisberger, and Miami never knew what hit them, but it wasn’t only the Killer B’s who stung Miami, but of course Pittsburgh had other players adding to the attack.

Rogers lone play

As of late, Eli Rogers has become a favorable target for Roethlisberger. Below, Rogers gets his mitts on a beautifully designed screen pass. The screen appears to be a fake to Antonio Brown at the top of the clip, and Rogers fakes as if he is going to block, then comes back to the quarterback.

The Dolphins were completely fooled, and the play goes for 19 yards. Rogers receives a down-field block from Pro Bowl center, Maurkice Pouncey, who does just enough to get in the way of the defender.

Surprisingly, this was Eli’s only catch on the day, but an important one at that. The play would prove crucial, as it converted a 3rd-and-5, and the very next play (a touchdown pass to AB) led to the Steelers first points of the day.

Ayers continues ascension

Demarcus Ayers “threw his hat in the pile” (as Mike Tomlin likes to say) as well.

Ayers, the 7th round rookie, caught at least one pass for the 3rd straight week. He happened to haul in two on Sunday, for 21 yards.

Below you’ll see Ayers running a drag route across the field, making himself open and available for Ben. Eli Rogers and Jessie James both seemingly get in the way of whoever is responsible for DA.

It’s pretty crazy to watch the Miami defender struggle to get through the traffic.

That same defender eventually makes the tackle, but after a first down is already achieved.

DA’s development is starting to show on a somewhat consistent basis, so that in itself is highly encouraging.

Ocean’s Two

Back to Ronald Ocean a.k.a. Antonio Brown. AB had already found pay dirt in the game, but one isn’t enough for “Mr. Ocean”.

On a simple slant route (that you learn in middle school football) Antonio Brown schools the Miami cornerback. The man in coverage tried to make a play on it, but if you do that, you better be sure you’re at least deflecting the ball… or see the results above.

A horrible angle is taken by the safety, and Ronald (Antonio) is off to the races for six.

Due to a handful of injuries to starters, it was speculated by many that the Miami defensive backs would have trouble with Brown, and most were correct! The Dolphins had just about no answer for AB.

Bell

If you thought Antonio was having a great day, Le’Veon Bell should just retire while he’s ahead: Juice was borderline unstoppable in the victory.

Super Bowl bound teams always have a difference making run game, and the Steelers have that. (I’m sure you’ll hear stuff like this all week and probably already have).

Never have I seen such a patient, and all around talented running back. Crown him now, because he is very much so the best running back in the NFL:

Shout outs need to be yelled for the offensive line too. Finally, this group seems to be getting some of the recognition it deserves.

Marcus Gilbert and Alejandro Villenueva lay spectacular blocks, creating a lane for Bell.

Meanwhile, Pouncey and David DeCastro stop the play from being blown up in the backfield by forming an impenetrable wall!

There’s nothing not to love out of the offensive line from that play.

And your eyes aren’t deceiving you: that is indeed Antonio Brown putting out a nice down-field block. (something he’s not really known for). He’s no Hines Ward in that sense, but he makes nice effort here.

At first glance, Juice appeared to break the plane and score, but he came up just short on the 1 yard line. The ruling on the field was reversed, only to later see Bell achieve the touchdown, despite Miami linebacker, Kiko Alonso‘s, best efforts.

Ring the Bell some more

The game was never in reach for Miami, and a large part of that should be credited to Bell. Being able to run the clock out, and consistently pick up chunks of five yards or more, will win you any football game. When the Steelers jumped out to their early 14-point lead, I knew it was mainly in Le’Veon’s hands at that point. That’s why you have an “every-down back.”

That probably was a large part of why Ben only had to attempt 18 passes on the day. Bell’s ability to make something out of nothing, is sometimes remarkable. Below, #26 looks like he’s about to be swallowed up for a loss.

Juice lays a stiff arm that might have killed the defender… I’m obviously joking but go ahead, go back, and watch the Miami defender sprawl out on the field, like he died… and… AB with another block?!

I’ll take those out of 84 any day!

Summation

That Dolphin splashing around on the ground summed up Miami’s performance in a nutshell: stiff-armed and left for dead.

Pittsburgh advances to the Divisional Round for the second straight season (ahem, Tomlin haters) and Miami’s season ends.

We all know now of the news of Ben’s ankle “injury.” The star QB showed up to his post-game press conference in a boot and everyone and their mother’s had a heart attack. Fortunately, it has already been revealed that Ben has no major injury, the boot was precautionary, and he is already out of the boot.

Ben wore the boot for less than 1 day.

Honestly I think Roethlisberger is totally fine, and I look forward to watching him embrace the challenges of Arrowhead Stadium.


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