Brown shines through struggles
Antonio Brown became the Steelers all-time reception leader in a single game on Sunday.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers were victorious on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders but at the expense of Ben Roethlisberger. Another sold out crowd at Heinz Field on a crisp fall day with downtown Pittsburgh in the background laid the ground work for a great day of Steelers football.
The Steelers gridiron was a place for records to be broken on Sunday as Antonio Brown became the Steelers all-time leader in catches in a single game with 17 catches for 284 yards (http://dkpittsburghsports.com/2015/11/08/column-an-identity-forged-through-real-pain/). The key to Brown’s offensive performance was the man himself, Ben Roethlisberger. While Big Ben missed at least 5 games Brown’s numbers suffered due to Michael Vick taking over the offense. Some quarterbacks are just more comfortable with certain receivers and sometimes the quarterback struggles to make the big play to the number one receiver. It was phenomenal to see Roethlisberger and Brown reignite their game together. However, the game took a turn for the worse late in the third quarter when Roethlisberger was hit low and hurt his left foot. Big Ben's return lasted only one and a half games before he exited Sunday’s game and is now not out indefinitely with a left foot sprain.
Landry Jones replaced Roethlisberger in the third and helped keep the Steelers on track to win the game. Jones help seal the victory late in a tied fourth quarter with a 57 yard pass and run to Antonio Brown. With one of the biggest deep threats on the Steelers roster and in the NFL Jones had to take chances down the field to get the Steelers into field goal position. With Brown being able to haul in passes at crucial times was key for the win but one player helped make the difference as well.
DeAngelo Williams displayed his new found strength and speed at the beginning of the season against the Patriots. Williams knew he would only play a significant role for only two games until Le’Veon Bell returned from suspension. Once Bell returned the Steelers had two dangerous threats in the backfield who could anticipate gaps and shred defenses, but Williams’s time dwindled drastically. With Bell out of the picture for the season Williams will continue to see opportunities. Williams was the perfect acquisition for the Steelers during the offseason because he is able to punish defenses. Williams rushed for two touchdowns and 170 yards yesterday and as long as the offensive line continues to create time and space for him, Williams will continue to succeed. However, there is still a glaring issue which needs to be addressed.
Todd Haley is one of the strangest offensive coordinators in the league. Haley had two dynamic backs and deep wide out threats; however, he would not use the entire arsenal to his advantage. Bell is a patient running back who makes incredible finesse plays and Williams just runs through defenders for big yardage. When the run game is used the offense is allowed to operate more freely and keep the defense on its heels, but Haley continuously stays one dimensional. Let’s look at the Steelers opening drive yesterday.
The opening drive started off with great passing from Roethlisberger and the Steelers marched into Raiders territory. On 2nd and 10 they ran the ball and Williams picked up 6 yards to make it 3rd&4. They passed on third down but it was incomplete. It would be a long field goal try, 53 yards, but Tomlin did not want to risk it despite having acquired a solid rookie kicker. The Steelers went for it on a fourth down situation and with four yards to go the ball was thrown at least 20 yards down the field, incomplete. Really Haley? The decision to throw deep downfield in short yardage situations is a standard Haley call. More often than not, the long pass attempt does not work. If the running back continues to run over the defense for big yards then use him on the short third downs. Yes, I know, I am referring to the old school ground and pound Steelers football, but if it works then use it.
This season is not going well for the Steelers, but they are staying strong and fighting through the pain. Pittsburgh remains second in the division and are currently projected as the 6th seed for the Wild Card game. Despite injuries to the roster the Steelers still brought the pain against the Raiders. If the Steelers can be as physical going forward as they were against one of their biggest rivals then they should be able to hang on to the Wild Card spot.
