Steelers Clip the Falcons

The Steelers (2-1) showed up in a big way last night as they clipped the Atlanta Falcons (0-3) in their week 3 preseason match up. The defense looked solid forcing three turnovers against Matt Ryan and the potent Falcon offense. The Steelers had two big interception from Lawrence Timmons and Crezdon Butler.

The Steelers started the game off with an Antonio Brown 51 yard kick off return, coupled with a 15 yard personal foul against the Falcons. Starting at the 35 yard line, the Steelers offense took only three plays to get into the endzone. Big Ben hit David Johnson twice for 34 yards and Mendenhall capped it off with a one yard touchdown run.

The defense stifled the Falcons offense forcing a punt and then Lawrence Timmons took a tipped pass back to the four yard line. Crezdon Butler added his monstrous 95 yard interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against backup Chris Redman. Mortty Ivy, who was relatively quiet last week forced a fumble late in the game, helping his case for a roster spot.

The Steelers offensive line really struggled last night and if they can't gel together they are going to get Big Ben killed. The line held the Falcons pass rush early but as the game progressed the line looked worse. The biggest concerns were tackle spots. Willie Colon was flagged for holding and struggled controlling blitzes and rookie Marcus Gilbert showed flashes of skill but was beat multiple times by former Pro Bowler Jon Abraham. The Steelers really need to re-look at their offensive line and the cutting of Max Starks and Flozell Adams, which I did not and still can not understand, those moves could really come back to bite them in the ass.

The secondary looked better last night and they seem to be getting better as the preseason goes along. The Falcons came right out and spread the defense out, but it didn't faze the Steelers. William Gay, aside from his constant celebrations, looked very solid and I have been very impressed with him so far. Keenan Lewis showed some flashes as well before leaving with an injury. Lewis allowed a few big gains and looked confused at times, but in the redzone he looked solid. Crezdon Butler played well leading the Steelers in tackles with nine and had that wonderful 95 yard touchdown return. Overall I think the secondary is getting better.

Lebeau's blitz schemes were revamped and extremely confusing last night. Lebeau used multiple packages where multiple players roamed and the Steelers showed a lot of pressure on every play. The defense movement looked really good and really excites me to see what Lebeau has planned for teams like the Ravens and Patriots. 

FIRST HALF REVIEW
The Steelers played their starters through the entire first half and into the second half on defense. Ben Roethlisberger looked great behind his shaky line, completeing 11 of 16 for 214 yards and two touchdown passes to the emerging phemon Antonio Brown. The run game never got going with Mendenhall as the Steelers only gave him the ball seven times for eight yards and a score. The defense was solid as they gave up a lot of yards of but only one touchdown.

SECOND HALF REVIEW
The defense played the starters for the first few plays of the second half so that Larry Foote could get some time as the signal caller. The second and third teamers held up extremely well in the second half as they gave up no additional points. Butler had a huge interception return and Mortty Ivy added a forced fumble late. Some of the young guys played to live another day as the first round of cuts are expected today or tomorrow.

FINAL GAME NOTES

Stevenson Sylvester aka Sly looked amazing last night on special teams. He blew up multiple plays and is really going to make a push for more playing time this season. Former Troy Trojan, Steve McLendon played great last night and I think he is one step closer to securing a roster spot.

I was extremely upset the Steelers did not work on the run game more though. The runningbacks and offensive line are not gelling and they need to be clicking on all cylinders as the team heads into the regular season. The Steelers also got burned multiple times on 3rd down and I noticed there was the lack of blitzing. When the Steelers dropped back seven, Matt Ryan had plenty of time to pick his target and fire with pinpoint accuracy.

Byron Leftwich broke his left arm last night meaning that Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon will both be on the roster this season. The injuries to Maurkice Pouncey, Keenan Lewis and Chris Carter are not serious and they should be ready by week one.

Last night was a great night as we move one step closer to the regular season.