fordfixer
11-12-2009, 02:37 AM
Surging Steelers focus on 'most important game'
By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer, dlolley@observer-reporter.com
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/loc ... oncos-wrap (http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/localsports/11-11-Steelers-Broncos-wrap)
DENVER - Forget about celebrating a road victory over a division-leading team.
Moments after the Steelers defeated Denver 28-10 Monday night, their focus was clear. There is a much more important game looming on the horizon.
After losing 23-20 in Cincinnati earlier this season, the Steelers would have been focused on the rematch Sunday with the Bengals, regardless of what's at stake. That the Bengals (6-2) sit atop the AFC North with the Steelers (6-2), well, that only adds to that importance.
"It's the most important game of the year," said Steelers guard Trai Essex. "They've got first place and we want it. Another loss to them will be devastating, so this is the most important game of the year."
The Steelers set up the showdown with the Bengals by
dominating a Denver defense that entered Monday ranked first in the NFL in fewest yards allowed. After gaining only 54 yards in the first half, the Steelers produced 321 in the second half.
"We went to our hurry-up offense," said wide receiver Hines Ward, who had seven receptions and two touchdowns. "That left them sitting on their heals, and we went out and attacked. ... People look at the hurry-up as being only passing, but you can run the ball out of that as well."
The Steelers did as much as Rashard Mendenhall, who had 25 yards on six first-half carries, finished with 155 yards on 22 attempts as the Steelers rushed for 150 yards in the second half.
"That's pretty good, huh?" Essex said. "You have to give a lot of credit to (Mendenhall). He was hitting the holes hard and gashing them."
More importantly, the Steelers finished drives with points.
Though Ben Roethlisberger threw one interception in the red zone, he also threw three touchdown passes. The Steelers scored on their final two drives before taking a knee to end the game.
"I think we're finishing drives better now than we were," said Ward. "That (first) game wasn't so much about what Cincinnati did. It was what we weren't doing. We weren't finishing drives. I think we're doing that now.
"We've won five games in a row and we're heading in the right direction."
Odds and end zones
Tomlin refused to acknowledge whether the Steelers have interest in running back Larry Johnson, who was released Monday by the Kansas City Chiefs. A Pennsylvania native and Penn State product, Johnson has expressed interest in playing for the Steelers. ... Pittsburgh has scored 27 or more points in each of its last five games. ... Stat of the Week: Roethlisberger has 14 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 262 passes this season. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer has 14 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 260 passes. Roethlisberger, however, has 25 more completions and 463 more passing yards than Palmer.
By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer, dlolley@observer-reporter.com
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/loc ... oncos-wrap (http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/localsports/11-11-Steelers-Broncos-wrap)
DENVER - Forget about celebrating a road victory over a division-leading team.
Moments after the Steelers defeated Denver 28-10 Monday night, their focus was clear. There is a much more important game looming on the horizon.
After losing 23-20 in Cincinnati earlier this season, the Steelers would have been focused on the rematch Sunday with the Bengals, regardless of what's at stake. That the Bengals (6-2) sit atop the AFC North with the Steelers (6-2), well, that only adds to that importance.
"It's the most important game of the year," said Steelers guard Trai Essex. "They've got first place and we want it. Another loss to them will be devastating, so this is the most important game of the year."
The Steelers set up the showdown with the Bengals by
dominating a Denver defense that entered Monday ranked first in the NFL in fewest yards allowed. After gaining only 54 yards in the first half, the Steelers produced 321 in the second half.
"We went to our hurry-up offense," said wide receiver Hines Ward, who had seven receptions and two touchdowns. "That left them sitting on their heals, and we went out and attacked. ... People look at the hurry-up as being only passing, but you can run the ball out of that as well."
The Steelers did as much as Rashard Mendenhall, who had 25 yards on six first-half carries, finished with 155 yards on 22 attempts as the Steelers rushed for 150 yards in the second half.
"That's pretty good, huh?" Essex said. "You have to give a lot of credit to (Mendenhall). He was hitting the holes hard and gashing them."
More importantly, the Steelers finished drives with points.
Though Ben Roethlisberger threw one interception in the red zone, he also threw three touchdown passes. The Steelers scored on their final two drives before taking a knee to end the game.
"I think we're finishing drives better now than we were," said Ward. "That (first) game wasn't so much about what Cincinnati did. It was what we weren't doing. We weren't finishing drives. I think we're doing that now.
"We've won five games in a row and we're heading in the right direction."
Odds and end zones
Tomlin refused to acknowledge whether the Steelers have interest in running back Larry Johnson, who was released Monday by the Kansas City Chiefs. A Pennsylvania native and Penn State product, Johnson has expressed interest in playing for the Steelers. ... Pittsburgh has scored 27 or more points in each of its last five games. ... Stat of the Week: Roethlisberger has 14 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 262 passes this season. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer has 14 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 260 passes. Roethlisberger, however, has 25 more completions and 463 more passing yards than Palmer.