If you were surprised to see Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempt to connect with running back LeGarrette Blount on a wheel route on second down from the Cleveland Browns 14-yard-line on the opening possession, you’re not alone, as the newcomer has only caught 23 passes in his first four years in the league.
However, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Blount being the primary target might have been a result of poor communication as the Steelers longtime beat writer claims it was called for fellow running back Le’Veon Bell, who took himself out of the game after his apparent four-yard touchdown run was called back thanks to left tackle Kelvin Beachum being flagged for holding on the play.
The Steelers offense also seemed to have problems getting that play off following the penalty as the snap took place with just one second remaining on the play clock. It appears that Roethlisberger tried to get the play clock reset after breaking the huddle, but to no avail.
After the pass to Blount fell incomplete, Roethlisberger was sacked on third down and as a result the impressive opening drive stalled and the team had to settle for a field goal.
Perhaps Roethlisberger should’ve called a timeout there. Regardless, let’s just hope we never have to see Blount be the primary target on a red zone pass play for the rest of the season. Missing out on those four extra points could have come back to haunt the Steelers the way the game eventually played out.
