Dave’s Football Blog

Why haven’t the Steelers set up a screen pass to Willie Parker yet? They’re just trying to ram him through the tackles, and he’s not getting enough yards that way. Parker needs to get outside and get some open space to be dangerous. The Pats’ defense is stuffing the run and forcing the Steelers to punt early in drives.

That plays into the Pats’ hands as the fourth quarter begins. The Pats have held the ball for 25:22 so far, and they’ve converted a lot more 3rd downs than the Steelers, who are a mere 1-for-8 on third down. The offense needs to come up with some different plays in the fourth quarter….

Because Kevin Faulk has issues holding onto the ball. Another Faulk fumble was recovered by the Steelers, and they put another three points on the board.

The Steeler D has been out there a lot of minutes, but they keep making the big plays. Midway through the 3rd, the Steelers extend their lead to 13-7.

Oh, and the Hawaiian pizza at Sammy’s is pretty good.

I have drunk waaaaaay to much sweet tea.

Twice, Tom Brady has lead the Pats on long drives. Twice inside the red zone, though, those drives have been killed by turnovers. First, Kevin Faulk’s fumble killed a drive, then a tipped pass at the line resulted in a Steeler interception, which all but ended the half.

Ben Roethlisberger hurt his left shoulder on that 3rd down play earlier, but he was back on the field to take a knee after the interception.

Interception aside, Brady is having a hell of a game so far, which it not the preferred outcome to most of the patrons here at Sammy’s. Big Ben is getting a lot of pressure from the Pats D, which isn’t helping. Willie Parker started to get it going toward the end of the half, but he hasn’t been a huge factor so far.

Most troubling stat? Time of possession. The Pats have dominated that stat, holding the ball 18:05 to the Steelers’ 11:55 so far. Pats’ penalties, 5 of ‘em for 60 yards, are hurting them a bit, especially on D.

Pittsburgh could use a couple of long, drawn-out scoring drives in the second half. Hopefully, Big Ben isn’t hurt so bad that he can’t get a few passes off…

Ben Roethlisberger got slammed to the turf on a third-down play. He appears to have hurt either his left arm or left shoulder. That’s not his throwing arm, but we’ll see if he comes back in the game.

The Pats are getting too much pressure on the QB. That would be bad news if Tommy Maddox has to play.

Meanwhile, Jeff Reed just had his consecutive field goal streak snapped, thanks to a false start penalty. He made the 47-yarder that was called off, but missed the subsequent 52-yard attempt.

At the Two-Minute Warning, it’s still 10-7, Steelers over Pats.

A key turnover with 12:05 left in the half stalled a long Pats drive. RB Kevin Faulk was stripped of the ball after a reception, and Steeler LB Larry Foote recovered it and returned it to near midfield.

Unfortunately, the Steelers gave the ball right back. Ben Roethlisberger found Antwaan Randle El down field for a huge gain, but Randle El, looking to make something big happen, tried to pitch the ball to Hines Ward, who was running down the field to throw a block and wasn’t ready. This resulted in a fumble that the Pats recovered on their own 15 yard-line.

Bad form, Antwaan. Hold on to the ball. Let the defense get a breather. You’ll need them strong in the fourth quarter.

Two plays later, a Pats lineman is down on the field, and the cart is out there once again…

We have a Duce Staley sighting.

Staley lined up at running back on the Steelers’ second scoring drive of the game, though he didn’t get the ball. It appears Duce will back up Willie Parker today.

Parker hasn’t gotten it going yet, having gained only 10 yards so far, but there’s plenty of time yet for him to make a big play.

Tom Brady, meanwhile, is 7-for-8 early, and Corey Dillon has 30 yards on 9 carries. Those are not the most encouraging numbers for the Pittsburgh D…

The Pats’ safety is down on the field and appears to be in considerable pain. Replays show that one of his teammates threw Steelers receiver Cedric Wilson to the ground, and The flying Wilson clipped Harrison badly.

They’re now taking him out on a cart. He won’t be back in this game. Last year, the Pats lost CB Ty Law for the year on this same field. Now you have to wonder how many more losses the Pats’ secondary can take.

I’m not going to say that I’m glad Harrison is gone or anything, but he did rip Stephen Davis’ helmet off for no reason last week…

The Steelers had to punt it on their opening possession, then gave the Patriots a short field to start the game. Corey Dillon punched it into the end zone for a touchdown and an early New England lead.

No problem. Steelers’ next play from scrimmage? An 85-yard TD pass to Hines Ward. The whole pub cheered like they were at the game.

Early in the 1st, we’re tied at 7…