The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 51-34 Sunday at Heinz Field to move to 5-3 on the season. Here is just a little sampling of some winners and losers for you to discuss. Feel free to add your own in the comments below that you think I missed.
Winners:
Ben Roethlisberger – Are you kidding me? 40-of-49 passing for a career high 522 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers would’ve been even better if not for a few drops. Roethlisberger was in another universe Sunday and he is now the only quarterback to twice throw for 500 yards in a game. You should save this game to show your grandchildren.
Antonio Brown – Once again Brown showed he is more than just a product of the system that he plays in. He recorded another 10 catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns Sunday in the win and he picked up several crucial yards after the catch. He also extended his NFL record streak of having at least five catches and 50 yards in a game.
Mike Adams – While the entire Steelers offensive line played well Sunday, a special nod should go to Adams. Adams played extremely well in his first start and while he did allow a few pressures in the game, he and the rest of the offensive line did not give up a sack.
Martavis Bryant – Bryant showed that he has to be respected moving forward with his five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. He made a fantastic leaping catch on his second score and outside of one crucial drop, played extremely well.
William Gay – Gay’s pick-6 early in the second quarter was a thing of beauty as he read the play and wide receiver all the way. He also registered six total tackles in the game.
James Harrison – While several members of the Steelers front seven were able to get pressure on Colts quarterback Andrew Luck throughout the game, Harrison really showed Sunday that he is now back in football shape and able to be a force on the right side. He recorded his first sack of the season Sunday.
Losers:
Cortez Allen – Allen’s train wreck of a season continued Sunday against the Colts as he was victimized for several explosive plays and touchdowns during the game. He was so bad Sunday that head coach Mike Tomlin had to bench him late in the game in favor of the undersized Antwon Blake.
Darrius Heyward-Bey – Heyward-Bey only caught one pass in the game Sunday and he turned the ball over after catching it. His fumble late in the third quarter gave the Colts seven easy points. The wide receiver was also flagged for holding during a punt return.
LeGarrette Blount – Blount’s fumble at the Colts five yard-line with 12:56 left in the game could have wound up costing the Steelers the game as they were only ahead by one possession at that point. Thankfully the Colts gave up a safety a few plays later.
