It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was about the furthest thing from it for three and a half quarters Sunday afternoon in Jacksonville. What did look good, however, was the final score – the only numbers on the scoreboard that matter. Pittsburgh 20, Jacksonville 16. Perhaps the most-impressive comeback of Big Ben’s career after such an ugly start to the game, more shining moments for JuJu, and the defense stood up. Let’s look at some takeaways from the Steelers gritty W against the Jaguars.
1. Big Ben still has some magic
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| Big Ben reaches across the white line for the winning score (Photo creds to PennLive.com) |
This shouldn't be a surprise. Ben Roethlisberger was down with under two minutes to go with a chance to win a football game, and he did it. For the 41st time, Roethlisberger led a game-winning drive to cap off perhaps the most impressive comeback of his career.
Pittsburgh was down 16-0 going into the fourth quarter, 16-6 with under three minutes to go and with just over 90 seconds remaining had the ball down 16-13. Ben’s day was ugly for the most part – three interceptions and a handful of throws that missed the target. He also threw two other interceptions that luckily didn't matter due to penalties on Jacksonville.
In the fourth quarter, Big Ben led the Steelers down the field time and time again late in the game, when it was needed most. Roethlisberger finished with 314 yards and three total touchdowns (one rushing) and the three interceptions. Touchdowns to Antonio Brown and Vance McDonald, along with several big completions to JuJu Smith-Schuster and a Big Ben rushing highlight got it done. Ben Roethlisberger did it again.
2. Standup second half defense
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| Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave had two of the Steelers' six sacks Sunday (Photo creds to Pittsburgh Steelers) |
If it wasn’t for this group, the comeback doesn’t happen on Sunday. In the first half, Jacksonville exposed the Steelers defense. The Jags ran for well over 100 yards on the ground in the first two quarters en route to a 9-0 halftime lead. In the second half, the Steelers turned up the pressure. Playing heavily against the run worked into the game plan as the Jaguars’ rushing attack was bottled up in the third and fourth quarters besides a short TD run by Leonard Fournette.
The defense played well the entire day against the pass. Say what you want about Blake Bortles, but to throw for 104 yards in a National Football League game is pathetic. A day in age when 300-yard games are common, Bortles can barely get into triple digits. The Steelers pass rush (six sacks) and the pass defense (Bortles: 10-18, 104 yards) were both terrific.
Another moment that is underrated is the trust that Mike Tomlin showed in his defense. With around two and a half minutes left and the Steelers still trailing, Tomlin chose to kickoff and put faith into this unit to make a game-saving stop. They did.
3. JuJu does it again
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| JuJu makes a big play as the Steelers sideline looks on (Photo creds to Steelers Wire) |
He’s normally the youngest guy on the field, but sometimes he makes the biggest plays. Sunday, he did that. Although the 21-year-old, second-year receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster didn't score a touchdown Sunday, he led the Steelers in receptions with eight and once again eclipsed 100 yards. On multiple occasions, Smith-Schuster came up with a huge catch down the stretch of the game when Pittsburgh needed him most.
Although a certain “super genius” in the Steel City doesn’t care for the guy, there isn’t much not to like about him. He’s a great player, and he’s having fun. That’s what it’s all about.
4. Any concern about Conner?
| This drop came within seconds of being the moment that cost Pittsburgh the game (Photo creds to TribLive). |
James Conner has inserted himself into the starting lineup since Le’Veon Bell has decided to sit out the entirety of the 2018-2019 season and it’s hard to deny the job he has done. Sunday was just one of those games.
The Steelers trailed for most of it, and the Jaguars defense was stout until the final quarter, but that was at a point when running wouldn’t help. The Steelers, for the most part, abandoned the run game as Conner carried the ball nine times for just 25 yards. The second-year back out of Pitt also had six receptions for 24 yards but could have had a couple more, including one that would have been a no-doubt go-ahead touchdown in the final minute. Luckily, the Steelers still ended up scoring to win the game.
Some may be growing concerns; however, I think it’s simply just the way the game went. Conner will be fine.
5. Hargrave shines when Tuitt sits
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| Photo creds to Still Curtain |
I know they don’t play the same position, but with the Steelers defensive line short-handed yesterday, Javon Hargrave stood out and played his best game of 2018. Hargrave had four tackles and a season-high two sacks, giving him five on the season. He supplied a performance that would make Casey Hampton proud – eating a steady diet of blocks all Sunday afternoon with some big plays mixed in of his own. The Steelers desperately needed a plug on the defensive line and they got it in the form of Hargrave on Sunday.
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