In a game the Pittsburgh Steelers should have completely dominated on paper, it actually quite a boring game. There wasn’t much offense for either team, and the defense looked good because of the offense, or lack there of. The boring game results in very few winners and losers, however, there always has to be an outcome in this category when the Steelers come away with a slight win against a struggling team. Here are your winners and losers.
Winners
Offensive Line
What an excellent game by the offensive line. Yes, Ben was sacked two times, but both were due to him holding onto the ball too long. He was given a clean pocket all day, and at times had around 5 seconds to throw the ball. They also opened up holes for the running backs, with Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount averaging 5.5 and 3.6 yards respectively, Bell with a long of 29 yards. This unit is really starting to gel, and you could tell the difference with Ramon Foster back in the lineup.
Oct 5, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brice McCain (25) crosses the goal line after a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown off Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (not pictured) in the fourth quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-9 at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerbacks
One thing I really noticed all game long was the coverage of the cornerbacks. Even when the Jaguars’ wideouts caught the ball, it seemed many of the balls were challenged by the Pittsburgh cornerbacks. Cortez Allen had his best game of the season, adding his 2nd interception of the season, Brice McCain had a pick 6 and William Gay made his presence felt throughout the entire game. Good game for the cornerbacks, even though they were facing a rookie quarterback and average receivers.
Special Teams
Has anyone noticed the difference in special teams this year. The coverage is unreal! The kicking unit and punting unit have done a very good job this year not letting returners find holes. Shaun Suisham is never to worry about inside the 50, and Brad Wing had a good game after his muffed punt last week, averaging 45.4 yards a punt with great hang time and a downed punt inside the 20.
Losers
Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger shouldn’t ever be on this list when the Steelers win, but again, they beat the Jaguars by a measly 8 points in a very low scoring game. Ben held on to the ball too long several points in the game which resulted in two sacks and a fumble while in the red zone, which was recovered by the Jaguars. He threw one touchdown and only came away with 3 points after being on the Jags 4 yard line. Once again, red zone issues. Ben could have easily put this game out of reach early in the game, but at times looked like he was the one keeping them in it while holding on to the ball and not being able to find receivers.
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