The Steelers are 1-0 despite just about every NFL Expert counting them out on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Can you blame them? If you look at the history, Buffalo won the past two contests against Pittsburgh. The Bills are Super Bowl caliber type Team, but none of that phased the Black and Gold on Sunday.
Before TJ Watt signed his 4 year contract extension, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked how would Watt be ready to go given such a quick turn around. Tomlin said TJ isn’t a normally guy so don’t expect him to play like one. Coach T can either see into the future or maybe he just knows that Watt is that good. The highest paid Defensive Player finished the game with three tackles, one on which was a tackle for loss, two Sacks, 5 Quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
The sack magnet said that 1-0 is always a special feeling, but after the statement win in Buffalo, Watt feels confident – not cocky after the Week One win. See video for comments from TJ Watt…
The Steelers Offense faced a lot of adversity in the First Half. All eyes were turned to Rookie Running Back Najee Harris who played all 55 snaps of the Game. Last year in Alabama, Harris couldn’t be stopped but we’re no longer in College. Welcome to the NFL. Harris got 45 yards on 16 rushing attempts. The Bills didn’t have the best first half either. Despite them having a 10-0 lead, the Steelers Defense held Josh Allen to 152 yards in the First Half. Buffalo was unable to convert on several crucial 3rd Downs and TJ Watt was simply doing TJ Watt things.
The Steelers used a Second Half surge to secure the Victory in Highmark Stadium. After punting on every single drive of the First Half, the Steelers turn around and score on every drive of the Second Half, except for the last where they took Victory Formation. On the ground, the Black and Gold still need a bit of work with only 75 yards total on Sunday. The Rookie Harris finally found his legs. His longest run of the day was an 18 yard pickup that put his Team in scoring position. The Black and Gold posted 20 unanswered points to take the lead in Buffalo. To start year 18, Ben Roethlisberger completed 18 of 32 passes for 188 yards and one Touchdown. A blocked punt Touchdown would silence Bills Mafia on their home turf.
Coming into the day, Big Ben knew it would be a challenge for a Team starting so many Rookies, but overall all three phases were able to execute and claim the 23-16 Win over the Bills. See video for comments from Ben Roethlisberger…
Next week the Steelers will open up at Heinz Field against the Raiders. And for the Second Year Players, next Sunday will be their first time in front of fans in Pittsburgh.
