Quick Yinzing: Steelers win season opener vs Browns
A few of the comments coming to us during social media were talking about how ugly this game was. Some of the comments I fielded were from friends of mine who were Browns fans, who shared a different bias than I did. Regardless, the preseason does nothing to get these players on the same page when they’re not playing and/or practicing together in the offseason.
Given that this was the first extensive game action our offense saw together since January, there was a considerable amount of rust. Thankfully, with the help of Antonio Brown, the Steelers overcame their early mistakes.
More of that later though, here are my quick thoughts on the game:
Penalties
The Steelers were penalized 13 times for 133 yards.
My Browns peeps were yelling that the only way the Steelers moved the ball was via penalty, yet it was Cleveland who secured five first downs by virtue of flags. (Pittsburgh gained two first downs in the same manner.)
I wasn’t too thrilled at some of those calls. It’s a narrative I pulled from last season and I want to say it was also referee Craig Wrolstad for whom I smited then too.
I don’t know what you do as a defender if the opponent moves or leans a different direction after you have made your decision. It’s a tough spot and one that William Gay, Ryan Shazier, and J.J. Wilcox all got tagged for at various points throughout the game. All three of these guys may be getting fines in the mail this week.
Sean Davis was hit with a weak pass interference call as well.
Regardless, the Steelers cannot afford to beat themselves. A better opponent may have taken advantage of and won this game with these mistakes.
Martavis’ anticlimactic return
Don’t worry about Vance McDonald dropping the ball… Bryant appears to be back but full of rust or jitters. He caught two of his six targets, and tipped several passes that were in danger of being picked off (and one in the red zone was).
He hasn’t played football in over a year so Bryant deserves a bit of slack, but the offense needs him to get back into gear as soon as possible.
Bell’s wasn’t much better
The Steelers didn’t commit to the run much, but outside of a 15 yard run, Le’Veon Bell didn’t look too sharp. He was also off-script with Ben Roethlisberger a few times on passes.
Unfortunately he also had a few good runs taken away due to penalties.
Like with Bryant, it has to get better.
Steelers offense = Antonio Brown
Thank God, no, “Call God” that someone came to play on offense.
Antonio Brown had a huge game, including a huge catch in double coverage which sealed the game.
Like veteran star players should, Brown showed up to play football and didn’t let us down. He was a consistent force and carried this offense all afternoon.
Don’t forget about James
I had mentioned earlier in the week that we might see more of Jesse James than expected, despite the trade for Vance McDonald.
Jesse caught two touchdown passes.
Nuff said.
Steel Curtain
Despite the penalties, the defense looked ferocious and brought pressure. You wouldn’t have known starter Bud Dupree was out. Anthony Chickillo and T.J. Watt both had a pair of sacks, with Watt also adding an interception.
Overall the Steelers defense accumulated seven sacks and held Cleveland to 57 rushing yards and under 200 yards passing.
Special Teams
Holy blocked punt!
Tyler Matakevich‘s block along with Chickillo’s recovery was the difference maker in this one.
And it happened early too, setting a tone for the rest of the game.
Hats off to the special teams unit for doing something special!
Final thoughts
There was a lot of good and a lot of bad today.
The Steelers performance was almost an inverse of what we’ve seen in recent years. Rather than the offense needing to compensate for poor defense and special teams play, it was the opposite.
Both units, defense and special teams, played fast and aggressive.
While this offense was plagued with poor play in just about everyway, It’s way too soon to yell that the sky is falling. This offense is filled with elite talent and they are easily capable of turning things around.
Yes Todd Haley called some bad plays, Ben missed some throws, the offensive line didn’t open enough holes, the receivers dropped some passes. These are facts, but we know what these guys are all capable of. Don’t write off this offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
If the Steelers continue with the play on defense and special teams we saw today, and turn around their offense, watch out.
