Recapping the Steelers 16-14 victory over the Eagles

Recapping the Steelers 16-14 victory over the Eagles (read more)

The Pittsburgh Steelers came off of their early bye week looking to get back to .500 after falling on a last second field goal to the Oakland Raiders in week 3, although it may not have always looked like it. None the less, the veteran unit persevered through mistakes, penalties, and a late lead-changing drive by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to take a 16-14 victory.

While Vick had been 3-0 already this season in end-of-game lead changing opportunities, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had been 0-2, and only had one fourth quarter comeback last season. As fate would have it, the third time was the charm, as Roethlisberger took the ball with 6:33 remaining and used every second on 14 plays to set up the game-winning 34 yard Shaun Suisham field goal.

The much-maligned place kicker, by the way, is now 8 for 8 in field goal opportunities through one quarter of the season, including two from 45 yards.

The Steelers took a 10-0 halftime lead into the locker room feeling good about themselves, knowing that they would also be getting the ball after halftime, but after they failed to score to open the second half and then helped the Eagles to score on their first second half drive with 30 yards’ worth of penalties, it began to feel as though things would not go their way.

Just before halftime, when Suisham made the score 10-0, the Steelers had the opportunity to take a 14-0 lead. They were set up with second and goal from the 9-yard line, and Roethlisberger hit receiver Jerricho Cotchery with what looked like a clear path to the end zone. However, he stumbled over his own feet and fell down at the 2.

On third down, the officials failed to flag Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for a defensive holding call against wide receiver Mike Wallace, forcing them to settle for a field goal.

The missed opportunities came to a head after the Steelers twice failed to stop the Eagles on 4th and inches in the fourth quarter, which led to the Eagles taking a 14-13 lead. But the Steelers had nobody to blame for their late-game predicament but themselves after they themselves failed to convert on mistakes made by the Eagles.

While the officiating today sucked royally (why did we bring these guys back again?) it was no excuse. We had plenty of oppertunities (how does he trip over his own feet??) to put this game away. The Defense has not given me much to smile about but today's game was not as horrible as it was against the raiders. All in all I'll take the win and look forward to us being a much better team Thursday Night.

Quote :

The much-maligned place kicker

Not sure what you're talking about, Dodens. We've done nothing but sing his praises.

Shaun's history still haunts him, and me, but my trust is building. Keep up the good work!

bayz101 wrote:

Shaun's history still haunts him, and me, but my trust is building. Keep up the good work!

Yea that kick Sunday I was not sure if I should close my eyes or not.

Galax Steeler wrote:

bayz101 wrote:

Shaun's history still haunts him, and me, but my trust is building. Keep up the good work!

Yea that kick Sunday I was not sure if I should close my eyes or not.

I would never close my eyes.....I change the channel instead

Galax Steeler wrote:

bayz101 wrote:

Shaun's history still haunts him, and me, but my trust is building. Keep up the good work!

Yea that kick Sunday I was not sure if I should close my eyes or not.

i did

vasteeler wrote:

Galax Steeler wrote:

bayz101 wrote:

Shaun's history still haunts him, and me, but my trust is building. Keep up the good work!

Yea that kick Sunday I was not sure if I should close my eyes or not.

i did

I still feel like I can't trust him...and yea I gasp for air everytime he kicks the ball. I glad he is looking good so far this season though...