Dec 01 2008
Foxboro Massacre: Steelers pound Pats
Uh-oh. When Big Ben throws and interception just a couple of plays into the game, and does it deep on his own end of the field, things don’t usually end well. But this time, the interception, and the following touchdown off it by the New England Patriots, turned out to be just a minor thing in the game. By the time it was all over, the Steelers had smashed the Patriots by a score of 33-10.
As the leading defense in the whole NFL, the Steelers are expected to keep an offense in check, but in this game, against the Patriots, they played beyond expectation. Quarterback Matt Cassel, who had had two 400 yard games in the last two weeks, passed for under 200 against the Steelers. Even worse, he threw two interceptions, one to Troy Palamalu, his league high sixth, and fumbled the ball twice, after James Harrison came in and stripped him of the ball both times, and Pittsburgh recovered. After the first half tie at 10-10, the Steelers managed to score 23 unanswered points, most of them with the help of plays by the D. The Steelers defense in this game was not just big, but huge.
Ben Roethlisberger, did not have a great day; his passing percentage was just over 50%, but he did manage two touchdown throws. The running game was solid. Fast Willie Parker only played in part of the game, due to injury flare-ups, but he gained 87 yards. Combined with the solid running of Mewelde Moore, the two ran for a combined 154 yards. Steelers D held Patriots running back Kevin Faulk to 73 yards. Most Steelers games this year have been fairly close nailbiters. But after the third quarter, it was going to be a Steelers blowout.
Celebrate while you can. The Steelers still have a tough ending schedule. Next week they play the Cowboys, but at home. Then it’s the Ravens, Titans and Browns. Only the Browns should be easy. But the way the Steelers palyed against the Patriots, they are looking good as the season comes to an end. Hope they can keep it up. Go Steelers.
