The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 28-12, and thanks to an assist by Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to Paul Brown Stadium to play the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
As we always do after Steelers victory, Steel Curtain Rising invites you, the citizens of Steelers Nation to vote Steelers game ball winners.
Ben Roethlisberger makes the ballot thanks to his three touchdown performance, although we readily acknowledge that the game was closer than it should have been thanks to two rather boneheaded interceptions.
Antonio Brown also makes the ballot, for his sterling 13 catch 187 yard performance. Heath Miller makes it, thanks to his physical presence on the field. Markus Wheaton also makes it on the strength of his 3 solid catches, including a critical touchdown pass. Darrius Heyward-Bey also gets a largely because of his 66 yard catch which set up a critical score for the Steelers.
Everyone bow your heads & Pray for health and well being. No matter the outcome we are #SteelersNation #SNUproud pic.twitter.com/WMxteGfcqh
— Mandy Peachee (@mandypeachee) January 3, 2016
On defense the Steelers game ball winners ballot include Lawrence Timmons who led the team in tackles and whose strip-sack sealed the Steelers victory. James Harrison also gets a nod, for helping the Steelers defense get the ball back after one of Roethlisberger’s interceptions. Will Allen also gets a nod on the strength of a stealer first half against the Browns. William Gay also gets a ballot spot thanks to his interception, as do Arthur Moats and Antwon Blake thanks to their splash plays.
- But remember, you citizen of Steelers Nation, are not limited to these Steelers game ball winner ballot choices.
Do you think that Ryan Shazier or Michael Mitchell deserve a game ball? Write their names in. Ditto any other player you think stood out.
Thanks for taking time out to vote for Steelers game ball winners, and please check back later for Steel Curtain Rising’s full analysis of the Steelers playoff clinching win over the Cleveland Browns.