The Steelers’ defense needed reserve defensive linemen Ziggy Hood and Al Woods to step up, and that is exactly what they did. They both were instrumental in stopping Cincinnati’s running game and combined for eight tackles and a sack on the night.
Game after game, wide receiver Antonio Brown tends to make huge plays. Week 15 was no different. Brown scored two of the team’s first three touchdowns in the first quarter. The first was a 12-yard reception, and the other was a 67-yard punt return. Whether if it’s on offense, or special teams, Brown has proved that he is lightning in a bottle, and he is one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons.
On the 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Brown, linebacker Terence Garvin laid a vicious block on Bengals punter Kevin Huber. After an evaluation, the hit was said to be illegal and led to Garvin being fined $25,000 by the league. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the officials didn’t bother to throw a flag which would have negated Brown’s touchdown and could have possibly changed the entire game.
Virtually all season long, Pittsburgh has found themselves playing catchup early in games. In their win against the Bengals, the Steelers jumped out to a 24-0 lead and never looked back. This proves that they are capable of being aggressive and can take full control of a game from start to finish.
After a 0-4 start to the season and dealing with a laundry list of injuries, the Steelers are still in the playoff hunt. Whether it’s fate or just pure luck, Pittsburgh can sneak in to the sixth and final spot in the AFC with an 8-8 record and some help along the way.
