Steelers win! Help Wanted: Full time running back wanted

The Pittsburgh Steelers won an ugly Monday night football game against the Baltimore Ravens with a 23-20 overtime victory. Although ugly, the victory could go a long way in determining the Steelers season. The offence of the Steelers was non-existent for the first half and resembled the same team from a week ago, that aloud Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked 9 times. The offence was booed off the field heading into half time, something that hasn’t been seen in eons. The frustration boiled into anger for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who said his offence played absolutely atrocious in the first half, which led to a half time shout out to his line; Roethlisberger shouted at his offensive team-mates in the locker room.

“I was tired of being booed,” he said. “I was tired of being embarrassed.”

The offence came out moving the ball and did manage their first touchdown in several quarters.  On third down, Roethlisberger threw a pass over the middle to Santonio Holmes for a 38-yard touchdown. The defence of the Steelers once again stepped up their game to keep the offence in striking distance, as on the very next play from scrimmage, James Harrison forced a fumble that was picked up by second year line backer, Lamarr Woodley, who brought it to the house and gave the Steelers a 17-13 lead in the game. This is when things really shifted to the Steelers.

The game did result is many key casualties for the Steelers. They lost starting running back, Rashard Mendenhall to a fractured shoulder, after he was lambasted by the Ravens Ray Lewis. The next back in line to take regular handoffs was Carey Davis, who didn’t last very long either by suffering an ankle injury. This forced the Steelers to go with 3^rd down back Mewelde Moore the rest of the way, as he was the only dressed running back standing.

 

Moore did not let them down. He turned a short pass into a 24-yard gain to Baltimore’s 31 on third down, keeping their winning drive alive. He then caught a crucial 7-yard pass on third down to put Reed in better range from 46 yards.

“To make a play to help my team out … I can’t explain it,” Moore said. “That [24-yarder] was the biggest play in my life.”

This turn of events could force the hands of the Steelers moving into next week, as it is doubtful Willie Parker will be ready to return and the status of the other two wounded backs is not good. It will force them to go searching for a ample replacement. The Steelers will bring back Najeh Davenport. The Steelers also suffered an injury on their already brittle offensive line; when they lost guard Kendell Simmons for the remainder of the season with an Achilles heal injury.

The Steelers will now limp into Jacksonville, a game that has been on their radar all season long, as they want to avenge the defeat they suffered in the playoff game last year. Defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars is going to take all hands on deck, as the injuries continue to roll in and not having the luxury of time to heal.

This NFL season is one of the more exciting and wide open seasons we’ve seen in years. The phrase “Last Man Standing”, may never be more in play than now. Although still young in the season, many teams have suffered key injuries that have changed their season. I guess the coaches and management are really going to have their work cut out for them and whoever can adapt best to their situation may be hoisting the Lombardi trophy at years end.

I’ll be back later in the week with notes and injury updates as they come knowledge to me.

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Last post (s) by Jamie Van Dusen

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