Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 unsung heroes in comeback win over the Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers dives for the go-ahead touchdown as other Steelers celebrate during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 18, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers dives for the go-ahead touchdown as other Steelers celebrate during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 18, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
2 of 2
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Jon Bostic #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers kneels in the end zone before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Jon Bostic #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers kneels in the end zone before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Jon Bostic

Jon Bostic was an animal in the run defense, especially late. Leonard Fournette couldn’t take a handoff without meeting Bostic somewhere. During the Jaguars’ final drive, it was back-to-back stuff by No. 51.

Bostic didn’t find the sacks that T.J. Watt or Javon Hargrave did. He didn’t breakup a pass that halted Jacksonville’s drive, or sack Bortles to remove them from field goal range. What Bostic did was remain as consistent as anyone on the field, and make Fournette’s life a nightmare, play-after-play.

Bostic’s role in Pittsburgh is becoming more meaningful by the week. He’s a reliable member of this defense, and when the team needed him he came through. It’s time to acknowledge the impact he has on the field.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers dives for the go-ahead touchdown as other Steelers celebrate during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 18, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers dives for the go-ahead touchdown as other Steelers celebrate during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 18, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Matt Feiler

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best offensive lines in football. Marcus Gilbert hasn’t seen the field in four weeks and nothing has changed. Week-after-week, this starting five allows Ben Roethlisberger plenty of time in the pocket, while also creating holes for James Conner’s success.

You’d never guess they’ve been playing with a backup right tackle. Matt Feiler has taken on the role and hit every beat. He’s as consistent as they come, and when the game was on the line, Pittsburgh turned to his side of the line without batting an eye.

This offense trusts Feiler on the field, as they should. He’s just as strong of a member as the rest of them, and proved once again he can take on the pressure with ease. Not many people acknowledge offensive linemen, especially a backup. But Matt Feiler is making noise for Pittsburgh.

Schedule