Ben Roethlisberger Edges Out Antonio Brown in Steelers-Ravens Game Ball Poll

The Steelers thrilling AFC North Clinching win over the Baltimore Ravens capture the imagination of Steelers Nation if our Steelers-Ravens game ball poll participation is any indication. In total, the poll drew of 195 votes, by far the largest of the year and perhaps in the history of the poll.

Ben Roethlisberger Ryan Shazier jersey, Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers vs Ravens

Ben Roethlisberger with Ryan Shazier’s jersey after the Steelers win over the Ravens. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

And the voting for the top spot was fierce, as Ben Roethlisberger edged out Antonio Brown by a vote of 39 to 34.Steelers Ravens Game Ball Winners, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown

That’s not surprising, since the Steelers dynamic duo was unstoppable all night. Down the ballot, Chris Boswell claimed third place which should come as no surprise as he kicked four field goals, including a 52 yarder and of course the 46 yard game winning field goal.

Le’Veon Bell cam in 4th with 21 votes, on the heels of a very strong, 100 yard from scrimmage performance against a tough Ravens defense. T.J. Watt, whose strip sack of Joe Flacco sealed the game, was close behind earning 50 votes which was enough for 5th place.

#Shalieve50 came in with 19 votes19, as support for Ryan Shazier and his inspiration to the team was very evident both on the field and in the stands at Heinz Field. Jesse James, who just missed a 100 yard receiving game and came up with several clutch catches throughout the night came next, with 19 votes.

  • After that, the voting dropped off markedly.

Vance McDonald came in with four votes, despite a plea by staff writer Tony Defeo in favor of the Steelers tight ends, and a nod from the Steelers Ravens Report Card, which named both tight ends as unsung heroes.

There were also write in votes for a “Total Team Effort” which polled the support of 7 write-in voters, as well as three for the Steelers offensive line, who got 3 write-ins.

As always, Steel Curtain Rising offers its sincere thanks to everyone who took the time out to vote, and gives a special nod of thanks to any and all who took the time to write in their choices.

Now Go Steelers! Let’s beat the New England Patriots!

 

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For #Shalievers Only – Steelers-Ravens Game Ball Winners Poll

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.

Steelers vs Ravens, Cam Heyward, Cameron Heyward, James Harrison, #Shalieve50

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.

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.

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Prayers for Ryan Shazier and Antonio Brown Top Steelers Bengals Game Ball Winner Poll

It has been a both a busy and harrowing week in Steelers Nation. While Ryan Shazier‘s recovery outstrips everything else in terms of importance, Roger Goodell and company’s suspension of JuJu Smith-Schuster and non-suspension of George Iloka have managed to steal headlines.

Oh, and the Baltimore Ravens are coming to town with the AFC North on the line.

 

Antonio Brown, Adam Jones, Adam "Pacman Jones", Steelers vs Bengals

Antonio Brown after making a 1st down catch over Adam “Pacman” Jones. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

As mentioned when we put up the game ball poll, running a poll didn’t feel right while Ryan Shazier laid up in a Cincinnati Hospital and the rest of the world wondering if he would walk again. But we put up the poll nonetheless, and included Ryan Shazier.

Steelers vs Bengals, Steelers Bengals Game ball polls, yAntonio Brown, yRyan ShazierAs would be expected and is appropriate, thoughts and prayers for Ryan Shazier topped the poll. The numbers from the rest of Steelers players are perhaps a bit lower because the lowly pollster (me) forgot to enable multiple votes for the first day or so, which is when the lion’s share of the votes come in.

So be it. Ryan Shazier reminded us that are are a lot of things that are far more important than football in this world.

  • As it was, Antonio Brown lead the rest of the voting, carrying 9 votes after his incredible performance while injured.

Ben Roethlisberger and Chris Boswell tied for third place, with 6 votes a piece, followed by Le’Veon Bell who polled 4 votes. Martavis Bryant got two votes, and JuJu Smith-Schuster got 2 more. JuJu’s vote total is perhaps a bit low, considering the out cry over the NFL’s double standard applied to him and George Iloka.

Vince Williams got one vote (despite making what was arguably the key defensive play of the night) and Bud Dupree got zero votes, although someone wrote his name in.

  • George Iloka as got a vote, as his penalty led to good offensive field position.

As always, Steel Curtain Rising thanks everyone who voted, and offers special thanks to all those who took time to cast in write ins.

 

 

 

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Vote Steelers Game Ball Winners for Victory over Packers

Another Steelers game, another nail biter, another win as Pittsburgh triumpthed at the last second over the Green Bay Packers by the score of 31-28 thanks to Chris Boswell’s last second 53 yard field goal.

Antonio Brown, Antoino Brown 2 point conversion, Steelers vs Packers

Antonio Brown gets the 2 point conversion in the Steelers win over the Packers. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune Review

With another victory in the bag its now time to vote Steelers game ball winners. Here’s the ballot:

[yop_poll id=”61″]

Antonio Brown gets top billing, thanks to his 2 touchdown, 10 catch 169 yard game that include several critical catches. Following him is Le’Veon Bell, who had 95 yards rushing, 88 yards through the air and kept numerous drives alive.

  • Ben Roethlisberger also gets a ballot slot thanks to his 4 touchdown 351 yard performance, although Big Ben did toss two picks.

Rounding out the ballot for the offense are Martavis Bryant, who had a touchdown and 3 other catches. We’ll also give a nod to Xavier Grimble who caught a touchdown pass, and of course Chris Boswell gets a slot for his 53 yard game winning field goal which tied the Heinz Field record.

On defense, Cameron Heyward gets the first slot, thanks to his monster game which include 2 sacks on third down, 2 tackles for a loss an 3 quarterback hits. Ryan Shazier who led the team in tackles and had a critical pass defense also gets a nod.

T.J. Watt and L.T. Walton, who both had sacks, while Watt added another key pass defense, get a nod. Stephon Tuitt also gets a ballot slot after another strong night.

Write In Your Choice

Remember, you’re not limited to these choices. If you feel that someone like Jesse James, Vince Williams or perhaps Eli Rogers deserves a game ball, write his name in. Better yet write his name in and leave a comment stating your case.

Thanks in advance for voting. The game ended at 1:30 here in Buenos Aires, and the work day looms tomorrow, so click here for our full analysis of the Steelers win over the Packers.

Go Steelers!

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Brown Bests Big Ben by a Nose in Steelers-Titans Game Ball Winners Poll! And No Love for Todd Haley

The Steelers Thrusday Night trashing of the Titans certainly energized Steelers Nation if voting in our Steelers-Titans game ball winners poll are any indication. And this time the race was hotly contested and for good reason.

Antonio Brown, Steelers vs Titans, LeShaun Sims, Steelers Titans Thursday Night Football

LeShaun Sims couldn’t ground Antonio Brown and neither could Ben Roethlisberger, at least not in our game ball poll! Photo Credit: Barry Reeger, Penn Live

Steelers vs Titans, Steelers Titans Game Ball Poll REsultsAt first glance, it appears that Ben Roethlisberger narrowly out polled Antonio Brown by a single vote to win the poll. However, if you scroll down, you’ll see that someone wrote in “AB” which can only be interpreted as Antonio Brown, so when we had his two votes to his 24, he comes out ahead of his quarterback by one

  • And for good reason, the duo was outstanding Thursday night, with both players in championship form.

The next highest vote getter was Cameron Heyward. That’s not much of a surprise, given how thoroughly Cam Heyward dominated the Titans, including making a critical sack on third down to force a field goal when the outcome remained very much in doubt.

Support for Heyward built slowly however, and one can speculate on whether it was influenced by Tony Defeo’s didactic piece on whether the Steelers 2017 defensive line is simply too talented to contain.

Coty Sensabaugh was the next highest vote getter, with 9 votes, which is a bit of a surprise. Sensabaugh’s interception did come at a critical moment, and did set up a Chris Boswell field goa, but Coty Sensabaugh also bears responsibility for the long bomb the Steelers defense gave up.

Vince Williams came in fifth in the pecking order, after another strong night that included a sack, which was enough to get him six votes. Ryan Shazier and Mike Hilton tied for 6th place with each player polling four votes.

Le’Veon Bell and Stephon Tuitt tied for 7th place with each man garnering 3 votes. Sean Davis was next with 2 votes, followed by Jesse JamesRobert Golden and L.T. Walton who got one vote a piece. Both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant had their moments against the Titans, but neither got a ballot slot and no one saw fit to write their names in.

  • On a night when the Steelers offense exploded for 40 points, the one person who found no love was Steelers offensive Todd Haley whose name was on the ballot.

That’s not a terrible shock, given that hatred for Haley runs strong in Steelers Nation, as many fans were quick to point to the usage of the no-huddle to discredit any role Haley had in the Steelers success. Yours truly doesn’t share that opinion, but poll is about what you the readers think, and the readers have rendered their judgement.

Thanks as always go out to all of you who took time to vote. Go Steelers!

 

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Vote Game Ball Winners from Steelers Win Over Titans

The men in the Steelers locker room might complain about Thursday Night Football games, but if Pittsburgh is going to play like it did in the 40-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, then perhaps Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and Art Rooney II should petition the NFL to play on Thursday night every week.

Antonio Brown, Steelers vs Titans, LeShaun Sims, Steelers Titans Thursday Night Football

Antonio Brown channels his inner Christopher Reeve as LeShaun Sims is helpless to stop him. Photo Credit: Barry Reeger, Penn Live

As we do after every Steelers victory, we invite you the readers to cast your votes for Steelers game ball winners. Here’s a look at the ballot:

[yop_poll id=”60″]

Leading the ballot for the obvious reason is Antonio Brown, who after a few quiet weeks on the road, exploded for 10 catches for 144 yards and more importantly, 3 touchdowns including two in the Red Zone. Behind him is Ben Roethlisberger, who played his best football of the season, throwing for just under 300 yards, tossing 4 touchdown passes and not turning over the ball.

Le’Veon Bell also earns a spot on the ballot. Although Le’Veon didn’t have a lot of success running, he was the team’s number 2 pass catcher and that kept the chains moving. We’re also giving a nod to Jesse James, who caught the Steelers “walk off” touchdown and pulled in 5 passes on the night.

  • Finally, we’re giving a ballot slot to Todd Haley.

While Dick LeBeau might not have the talent at his disposal that he had while he was coaching in the Steel City, the Tennessee defense is pretty good, stout against the run and LeBeau knows the how the Steelers offense works. While the ultimate difference may have been more a question of execution rather than game planning, the scoreboard confirms that Haley got the better of LeBeau.

  • One of Haley’s best moves, however, was to take advantage of what the Steelers defense gave him, which was a lot against the Titans.

Cameron Heyward continued to play as one of the league dominante defensive lineman with two sacks, and 2 and a half tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Stephon Tuitt also had a strong night, and gets a ballot slot thanks to his sack. Mike Hilton had the night’s first interception, which set up a Steelers score.

Next we look to Vince Williams and Sean Davis who had a late sack and late interception, respectively. They’re followed by Ryan Shazier and L.T. Walton, with Shazier leading the Steelers in tackles, and L.T. Walton scoring a late sack.

  • Remember, you’re not limited to the choices on the ballot.

If you want to write in, say T.J. Watt for tipping a pass and blocking a field goal, by all means do so. Perhaps you think that JuJu Smith-Schuster deserves a game ball? Then write his name in. Or better yet, write his name in and leave a comment stating your case as to why you think this player deserves a shout out.

The Steelers win over the Titans ended at 1:30 am here in Buenos Aires, and the work day looms. So please check back later for our full analysis of the Steelers Thursday Night Thumping of the Titans.

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JuJu Smith-Schuster Dominates Steelers Game Ball Voting (Again)

The votes are in for the Steelers game ball winners for Pittsburgh’s 20-17 victory over the Colts and if the results aren’t necessarily a surprise, perhaps the margin of victory is.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, steelers vs colts, steelers game ball poll winners

JuJu Smith-Schuster celebrates a 2nd half first down in the Steelers win over the Colts. Photo Credit: AP via News Sentinel

For yet another week, Steelers rookie wide reciever JuJu Smith-Schuster both led and dominated the voting, bringing down 12 votes which is 50% more than the next vote getter. steelers colts game ball winners, juju smith-schuster, ryan shazier

That’s some what of a mild surprise, as Ryan Shazier came in second, and Ryan Shazier’s game-changing interception even got a feature here by Tony Defeo, coverage which often times influences poll results. Stephon Tuitt was next drawing 6 votes.

Martavis Bryant got 4 votes, which isn’t a surprise given his 2 point and key 3rd down conversions, but Jordan Berry earned 4 votes on his own as a write in, which is impressive.

Vince Williams, who had a key tackle drew 2 votes while Sean Davis who led the team in tackles got one, as did Vance McDonald and Bud Dupree.

That is perhaps a mild surprise. Brown did not have his best game against the Colts by any measure, but he did come up with a critical 32 yard catch and run that put the Steelers into the Red Zone and allowed Chris Boswell to kick the game winning field goal.

Once again, we thank everyone who took time out to vote, and offer a speical word of thanks for those who took time to comment and those who cast write-in ballots.

 

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JuJu Smith-Schuster & Steelers Defense Run Away with Lions Game Ball Poll

As drama goes, the Steelers-Lions game ball poll offered very little. The story of the game revolved around one wide receiver who spent the evening streching the field, and a Steelers defense who effectively shrunk the field in the Red Zone.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers vs Lions

JuJu Smith-Schuster sets Steelers touchdown reception record vs. Lions. Photo Credit: Tim Fuller, USA Today via Washington Post

The young wide receiver is of course the Steelers JuJu Smith-Schuster and the Steelers goal line defense.

  • Steelers vs Lions, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers Lions game ball winnersAs you can see, our voters here didn’t go out for a lot of nuance.

JuJu Smith-Schuster was the top vote getter by a whopping 23 votes, but he was course the Steelers goal line defense, anchored by Cameron Heyward, Tyson Alualu and Javon Hargrave.

  • Javon Hargrave led the individual voting with 4 votes, while Vince Williams followed  with 3 with another 3 for Tyson AluAlu and Cam Heyward.

Sean Davis got two votes, while Ryan Shazier polled one rounding out the defensive vote getters as Artie Burns was left shut out.

On the offensive side Ben Roethlisberger got 2 votes, the only player to draw multiple clicks.

Le’Veon Bell was shut out, which is a little surprising since he scored the team’s first touchdown and helped burn up the clock when the game’s outcome remained in doubt.

However, Bell did have a fumble, which cost the team dearly as it took 3 points off the board and gave the Lions a chance to add 3 more.

Thanks again to everyone who took time out to vote, and a special thanks to those who submitted write ins.

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Steelers Defeat Lions in Detroit – Rapid Reaction & Game Ball Poll

Wew! What a nail biter. The Pittsburgh Steelers held on to beat the Detroit Lions to the tune of 20 to 15 in a hard fought road match up that went down to the wire. As we always do here after Steelers wins, we invite you the citizens of Steelers Nation to vote Game Ball Winners.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Quandre Diggs, Steelers vs Lions

Steelers JuJu Smith-Schuster burns Quandre Diggs in his 97 yard tochdown scamper. Photo Credit: Duane Burleson

JuJu Smith-Schuster earns the top ballot slot which is no surprise.

Steelers vs Lions, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers Lions game ball winners

The esteemed Steelers rookie was easily the star of the night for Pittsburgh catching 7 passes for 193 yards including the game sealing touchdown. Right behind him however, we’re giving a nod to the entire Steelers Goal Line defense.

  • Keith Butler’s boys couldn’t do much right outside the 20, but they were impeccable at the goal.

Really, the Steelers goal line defense did the franchise’s defensive legacy proud. Joe Greene is smiling from his perch in Texas while Ernie Holmes, L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White are smiling down from above.

After that, we’re giving Ben Roethlisberger a ballot nod. Ben didn’t have the  best of nights, but he also had 2 sure touchdowns dropped. Le’Veon Bell gets a nod. Bell, who fumbled the ball, didn’t have one of his better nights either, but he ran hard and helped burn up clock late in the game. Antonio Brown also gets a nod after a quiet night that nonetheless saw him a few critical catches. Jesse James gets a ballot slot due to his 40 yard catch.

  1. On defense, Artie Burns leads the individual nominees.

Burns led the team in tackles, and recovered a fumble late in the game. Followed by Burns, we have Vince Williams, who was spectaular at the goal line. Ryan Shazier also had a strong game including breaking up at the goal line. Cameron Heyward and Tyson Alualu, who both had sacks and both excelled at the goal line also get nods.

Rounding out the defensive nominees are Sean Davis and Javon Hargrave. Davis came up big at the goal line and was 5th on the team in tackles, while Javon Hargrave simply ate Dwayne Washington alive at the goal line.

Remember, you, the citizens of Steelers Nation are not limited to these choices. If you think someone else deserves a game ball, write their name in. Or better yet, write their name in and leave a comment stating your case as to why you think they deserve one.

The Steelers win over the Lions ended at 12:30 am here in Buenos Aires and the work day looms tomorrow. But please check back for our full analysis of the Steelers latest victory.

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Le’Veon Bell Tops Steelers Game Ball Winner Poll for 2nd Straight Week

The Steelers game ball winners poll following the Steelers 29-14 win over the Bengals at Heinz Field generated a lot of participation, with votes being cast across both sides of the ball, including several write ins and with ties resulting across the ballot.

Scroll down below the photo of this week’s top vote getter to review the full results!

Le'Veon Bell, Vontaz Burfict, Steelers vs Bengals

Le’Veon Bell gets tackled by Vontaze Burfict en route to his latest 100 yard performance against the Bengals. Photo Credit: Barry Reeger, Penn-Live

  • And it should come as no surprise, that for the second straight week Le’Veon Bell led the voting.

Steelers vs Bengals, Steelers Game ball winners BengalsThe second slot yielded a pleasant surprise, as Roosevelt Nix tied with Ben Roethlisberger with 10 votes. Nix was instrumental in paving the way for Bell. The fullback is largely an anonymous (and largely disappearing) role in today’s NFL so it is nice to see Nix get recognition.

Fourth place brought yet another tie, with David DeCastro and Robert Golden netting eight votes (interesting that Golden would poll 4 times more votes than the guy who caught his pass). They were followed by yet another tie a slot below, as Bud Dupree and Joe Haden both polled 6 votes to split 5th place.

Antonio Brown drew 5 votes, followed by William Gay’s 4 votes. JuJu Smith-Schuster got 3 votes, Cam Heyward polled 2 tying with Darrius Heyward-Bey, with Tyson Alualu, Maurkice Pouncey and Ryan Shazier polling 1 a piece.

As always, Steel Curtain Rising thanks you our beloved readers for taking time out to vote and gives special nod to those who took the time to cast write in votes.

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