The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs tonight on Monday Night Football to earn their 4th consecutive win.

• To say that this was an ugly win does not do this game justice.

But worse than ugly, it was costly, as Ben Roethlsiberger left the game early in the second half. It was reported that he immediately left the gridiron at Heinz Field for X-Rays, and ESPN America Latina later reported that he left the complex with his wife and a shoulder in a sling.

In his absence Byron Leftwich saw his first extensive “live fire” action in some time, and he showed the rust. While he did make key completion, the offense was not the same without Roethlisberger.

Not that all of the blame should fall on Leftwich’s shoulders. The Steelers offensive line, which had been growing more dominant by the week, did not control the line of scrimmage. While both Issac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer showed good power, Steelers Nation went back to the all too familiar site of running backs being hit at or behind the line of scrimmage.

The Steelers defense, however did its part, holding Kansas City to a field goal in the second half, with players like Keenan Lewis, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Ziggy Hood, Brett Keisel and Ike Taylor stepping up to make numerous stops.

But the biggest play of the defense came in overtime, when Lawrence Timmons, who was already putting in a monster night, intercepted a Matt Cassel pass and returned it to the 3.

One play later and Shaun Suisham was kicking through the uprights to give the Steelers their win.

Full Extent of Roethlisberger Injury Unknown But…

The full extent of Ben Roethlisberger’s injury is unknown, but shoulder is worrisome especially because early in training camp Roethlisberger admitted to having a slight rotator cuff injury, Steeler Curtain Rising has NO information on Ben’s injury, but if he’s torn his rotator cuff more, than will likely spell the end of his season.

Folks, its 2:00 am here in Buenos Aires, and work beckons in a few short hours. Will attempt to write more tomorrow.

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