Another week another Chris Boswell field goal at the buzzer, or almost buzzer as the case may be as the Pittsburgh’s defense held on for 42 precious seconds as the Steelers beat the Ravens 39-38 to clinch the AFC North title.
As we do after every Steelers win, we invite you the citizens of Steelers Nation to vote on Steelers game ball winners. Scroll down below the photo for a look at this week’s ballot.
Cam Heyward and James Harrison enter Heinz Field carrying Ryan Shazier’s Jersey. Photo Credit: Barry Reeger, PennLive.com
Here’s how the ballot’s shaping up:
[yop_poll id=”63″]
Leading things off are Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger, and really that’s an alphabetical order decision, as both men had phenomenal games, with Antonio Brown hauling in 11 catches for an eye popping 213 yards while Ben Roethlisberger became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 500 yards in a game.
Behind them is Le’Veon Bell, who had yet another 100 yards from scrimmage night as he scored two touchdowns on the ground and 1 on through the air.
- Jesse James also gets to nod who caught 10 passes and fell just short of cracking the century mark.
Vance McDonald only had 4 catches before leaving the game early, but he was a critical enough of a target for Ben Roethlisberger that the low number can help but suprise. And of course Chris Boswell also gets a slot, who was a perfect 4 for 4 on field goals, including the 46 yard game winner, and 3 for 3 on extra points.
- On defense, the ballot gets much more complicated.
For example, take Sean Davis for example. The Sophomore safety started the game off with an interception, and had a hand in breaking up a 3rd down pass on the Ravens penultimate possession, but in between missed tackles, got beaten for a long touchdown, and made a series of inanely idiotic penalties that paved the way for more Baltimore scoring.
- Consequently, Davis isn’t getting listed on the ballot (although you can write him in, if you want….)
Vince Williams was the second leading tackler for the Steelers, and he had a sound night there manning the middle. T.J. Watt also gets a ballot slot, as the rookie outside linebacker stepped up to pressure Joe Flacco into key third down incompletion and essentially ended the game with a strip sack.
- Cameron Heyward also gets a slot on the ballot.
Heyward’s stat sheet lists all of 1 tackle which might not look that impressive, but after the Ravens went up by eleven, Cam Heyward gathered the defense on the sidelines and started giving everyone a piece of mind. The play of the Steelers defense improved after that.
- Finally, we’re listing a slot for #Shalieve50.
The Steelers defense clearly missed Ryan Shazier’s athleticism on the field, but it’s obvious that number 50 served as an inspiration to all.
As always, keep in mind that this is your poll, not mine. If you think that say, Martavis Bryant deserves a game ball, write his name in. Ditto Eli Rogers or Roosevelt Nix, write their names in and cast your vote.
The Steelers game against the Ravens ended at close to 2:00 am here in Buenos Aires, and the work day is already upon us. Please click here for our full analysis of the Steelers AFC North Clinching win over the Ravens.
