Play of the Game: Critical Third Down Conversion Sets Tone in Steelers' Week 10 Win Over Bengals

by Neal Coolong on Nov 16, 2011 7:40 AM EST in Anatomy of a Play




The Steelers struggled to protect its quarterback against a talented and deep Bengals defensive line. They allowed five sacks and a ton of pressure, but Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger made plays when he had time. And that was in spite of a broken thumb he received during the game.

This example of the play he and WR Antonio Brown made on a 3rd and long situation is an example of the explosiveness of this offense, and how it only needs one chance to burn even a good defense.



Down, Distance and Situation

Pittsburgh has the ball 3rd and 19 from their own 15.5 yard line with 5:00 left in the second quarter after Cincinnati sacked QB Ben Roethlisberger on consecutive plays. The Steelers lead 14-10, but the momentum shifted into the Bengals favor after the Steelers scored touchdowns on their first two drives. The last three plays the Steelers had run at this point resulted in an interception, and the two sacks that put them in this spot.

The Steelers desperately need a play, not wanting to give the energized Bengals offense a final look at the field before halftime.

Offensive Alignment





http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/11/16/2565978/steelers-bengals-nfl-highlights-antonio-brown-ben-roethlisberger-broken-thumb

That was a huge play. I feel more confident picking up a 3rd and 19 than I do a 3rd and 3.