Steelers vs Chiefs - Quick Hitters

Thankfully, Lawrence Timmons and the Steelers D
Stepped Up to Get the WIN

Its time for me to spout off about anything that pissed me off, or things that I liked (not too many of those after the Chiefs game) after the Steelers nauseating 16-13 OT victory.  Lets throw caution into the wind and lets go...

- OLine Failures - The three game winning streak had been highlighted by a dominant performance by the Steelers' offensive line.  They took a step backwards vs the Chiefs.  Not only was Ben under tremendous pressure, but he was sacked and one of those sacks led to his shoulder injury.  The line was unable to get a good push, and therefore the running game was stagnant almost all night.  All isn't lost...this is one of the few positions that there weren't any injuries recorded after the game.

- Missing Antonio Brown - It was obvious to me that even when Big Ben was in the game, the Steelers offense missed Antonio Brown.  If you ask me, Mike Wallace isn't the #1 receiver for the Steelers anymore...no, its Antonio Brown.  Without AB, the screen game wasn't the same, and neither was the punt return game.  The Steelers missed their MVP from last year, and it was obvious to me.  If he can't go versus the Ravens, it will make the game even that much harder for the Steelers.

- Defense Steps Up - FINALLY!  The defense stepped up and put together a dominant performance.  After a season where they allowed 4th quarter leads slip away, the defense waited until OT to finally step up.  When all signs pointed to the defense allowing the Chiefs to get out of the Ketchup Bottle with a win, Lawrence Timmons (who was in Beast Mode all game) stepped up with an INT that sealed the win.  The Steelers DLine was gashed on their left side as the Chiefs ran right at Ziggy Hood and Lamarr Woodley repeatedly for big gains.  That needs to be fixed before Ray Rice comes to town.

- Defense Can't Let Opportunities Go - On the flip side of the defense stepping up is the fact that they continue to let alot of opportunities go in the turnover game.  Think back to the Tennessee game when Keenan Lewis dropped an INT that would have sealed the game.  Ike Taylor historically drops a ton of potential picks, and Ryan Clark was the latest to add his name to the list of players who have let opportunities slip through their fingers...literally.  If the Steelers want to beat teams like Baltimore (especially without Big Ben if he is out for any length of time) they can't leave those opportunities on the field, but take those and run with them...literally.

- Cursing Foul? Really?? - When Willie Colon was flagged for holding my initial thought was "Welcome back to the holding club, Willie".  Then afterwards when he was flagged for "cursing at the official" I was flabbergasted.  Was I watching a High School game?  Was this pop warner football?  To me, these are grown adults all around (officials and players) and if you can't take the verbal harassment then find a new job.  Look at the NHL...I tweeted last night during the game...in the NHL you get a penalty if you DON'T curse at the official for making a bad call.  Players like Sidney Crosby throw ever word in the book at officials and they just let them have their say and then they are on their way.  NFL officials are like babies sometimes...

- Offense Takes Steps Backwards - When it seemed that the play-calling and the offense as a hole was clicking on all cylinders, this game was a step backwards.  The Steelers showed an unrealistic willingness to rely on the pass instead of pounding the ball with Redman and Dwyer in the horrible weather conditions they were experiencing in Pittsburgh.  Nonetheless, with Ben getting injured and the conditions as bad as they were, I will grant this game a pass....it just better improve before next Sunday.

- All in All, Its a Win...Time to Move On - All of SteelerNation was huddled around their computers, televisions, or smart phones waiting to see if Mike Tomlin knew any new information about Big Ben.  Regardless of the news, SteelerNation needs to take this win as a win and get geared up for Baltimore.  The players aren't going to look back.  There is no need to look back...throw the tape away and get ready for a slobber-knocker on Primetime in Pittsburgh this Sunday Night!

- Game Ball - Lawrence Timmons - There is no doubt that Timmons gets the game ball for this game.  Even if he didn't get the INT that sealed the victory, he was by far the best defensive player on the field for the Steelers on an ugly night.  Timmons hasn't just played one good game, but has had a very solid season.  There is no doubt that I would give him consideration for the defensive player of the year for the Steelers to this point in the season.  Timmons gets the game ball for me after the Chiefs win.

Who do you give the game ball to?  Timmons?  The Defense? Shaun Suisham?  Mother Nature?  Leave your thoughts in the comments below!