Its time once again to speak out Steelers Nation. The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted AFC North Rival the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Ben in Black and Gold walked away with a 29-14 victory, which brings them to 5-2 on the season and perhaps more importantly, 3-0 in the AFC North.
Antonio Brown smokes Darqueze Dennard for a touchdown in the 1st quarter of the Steelers win over the Bengals. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune Review
As we always do after a Steelers victory, we invite you, the citizens of Steelers Nation to vote game ball winners for those who stood out during Pittsburgh’s. Here’s a look at this week’s ballot:
Ben Roethlisberger played what was perhaps his best game of the season, and Number 7 was particularly sharp in the first half, leading the Steelers to two touchdown drives on its first two possession, and adding a field goal drive inside the two minute warning.
- Antonio Brown was Roethlisberger’s favorite target, having caught 4 passes for 65 yards including the Steelers first touchdown.
Le’Veon Bell earns a slot on this week’s ballot, thanks to his 135 yard performance in a game that saw Bell touch the ball 35 times on the ground and 3 times through the air, including a 42 yard catch and run. David DeCastro also had an exemplary day, leading the way for Bell on run after run.
- Next on the ballot we find three special teams stars – Robert Golden, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chris Boswell.
Their exploits need no introduction as Golden and Darrius Heyward-Bey hooked up on a key 4th quarter fake punt, while Boswell booted in 5 field goals to give the Steelers their margin of victory.
For as potent as the offense was in the early going, the Steelers defense stole the show in the second half, allowing Andy Dalton and the Bengals 19 yards from scrimmage. T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Bud Dupree and Tyson Alualu all sacked Andy Dalton, earning them ballot slots. Joe Hayden and William Gay also had interceptions, which secures their position on the ballot.
- But remember, you my beloved reader, are the ultimate arbiter of who makes the ballot?
Think that JuJu Smith-Schuster, deserves a game ball? Write his name in? Feel that Sean Davis or Anthony Chickillo deserve nods? Again, write their names in, or better yet write their names in and leave a comment stating your case.
Thanks in advance for voting, and be sure to check back for Steel Curtain Rising’s full game analysis of the Steelers 2017 Heinz Field win over the Bengals.
