YinzPitt

Something completely awesome happened yesterday at Heinz Field.  The Minnesota Vikings came into the game undefeated, and the Pittsburgh Steelers came in looking to take away the Vikings pride and giving them everything they got.  In what turned out to be an average day, and a sub-par performance by the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, transformed into an awesome game, and an even more spectacular finish than anyone could of imagined.

Woodley Sacks Favre

By the end of the game one thing was a given, the Minnesota Vikings were continually frustrated on offense.  Adrian Peterson was held to 129 total yards(69 yards total rushing).  Brett Favre had without a doubt the worst game to date in his purple and white uniform, throwing 1 interception and having a 76.8 passer rating.  Credit that poor showing to the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, who blitzed on almost every single play that Minnesota ran.

Brett Favre describes it about as best as any opposing player can when it comes to the Steelers defense exotic style:

“That’s what they do,” Favre said. “They give you a lot of looks. You don’t know exactly where they’re coming from. They thrive on that. And they’ll do it next week, whoever they play.”

Brett Favre is one of the few players that when it comes to pulling out a win at the end of the game, you want to make sure the ball is in his hands.  However I think it’s fair to say the Vikings hoped to of had a different outcome.  Favre fumbled on a sack and the ball was returned for a touchdown by linebacker LaMarr Woodley.  Then on the next drive after making a half decent drive, Favre threw an untimely interception which was then returned for a touchdown by Keyaron Fox and was then called a “fluke accident”(the interception, not Fox) by Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams.

Enough about the losing team though, let’s move on to the spoilers. Make no mistake, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense was in slow motion today.  The first half was full of 3rd and outs, incomplete passes, and shoddy play-calling.  Mendenhall, up until his fumble, was playing great.  He is finally starting to play like he did in college, he’s seeing holes and running with authority, however it’s quite evident he’s still basically a rookie.  After the long drive in the 3rd quarter to be ended by a fumble because he dove on the seven yard line is inexcusable.  It’s obvious the coaches felt the same way as I did because he didn’t touch the ball again after that play.

Mike Wallace is turning into a real threat every time he touches the ball.  It really is spectacular how our passing offense is running on all cylinders.

Santonio Holmes was status quo.  He made various catches that kept drives going, and helped the Steelers keep their lead in tact.

Willie Parker had I think one or two actual plays.  It’s safe to say he’s done.

Jeff Reed is gone at the end of the year.  I’ve never been so angry at a kicker until yesterday when he had a terrible attempt at a tackle that led to a kick-off return and touchdown.  I’ve also never seen a player get booed for as long as he did yesterday, that must be an awful feeling, knowing that because of your off-field conduct, you’ve basically lost a great thing with a team that has the potential to get to the Super Bowl year after year.

Heath Miller, as always is a clutch performer.  Although he had a penalty that took away an apparent Santonio Holmes touchdown. The penalty seemed like a weak call anyways, so we can’t complain to much because they Steelers won anyway.

Ike Taylor while making a few break-up passes, also got burned a few times.  I’d say basically on par with his usual self.

Woodley is looking better and better week after week.  It also does help that people have to worry about Harrison on the other side,which gives him free reign time after time.

Favre is helped up after Harrison is pushed into Favre's legs.

James Harrison is simply a beast.  Not that we didn’t already know, but wow, sometimes words can’t even explain what he can do.  Not to mention he’s held every single play and still produces.  I was worried about that low hit he put on Favre costing the team, but I’m happy the officials wised up and called it holding on offense, 9 times out of 10, it’s a personal foul on the defense if that happens.

Special Teams is completely meh.

Big props to the defensive line yesterday, they handled the game very well without Aaron Smith.  However Casey Hampton needs to get his belly back behind the neutral zone.

Finally, Troy Polamalu is the reason this defense is the way it is.  Without him they are still very good, but with him, they are an incredibly special unit.

All in all, it was a spectaular game that turned into a nail biter in the end.  As long as the Steelers won I don’t think anyone can complain about beating a 6-0 team heading into the bye.  Also, I can’t wait until next week is over so we can get all this Denver Bronco hype over with.

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