Drove up through snowy conditions on a Friday afternoon. Steelers coaches and players talked about what needed to be done to correct the deficiencies exposed during a three-game losing streak. Will Pittsburgh walk the talk against Cincinnati?
Steelers Remain in a Tailspin
It was not the coldest game that I have ever attended. But 20 degrees felt much colder with the wind blowing damp air that pierced my layers of clothing. It probably did not help that I just got over pneumonia. I spent the last three weeks of December in a daze watching the Steelers get pummeled three times in a row. My hope was that being upright again, the Steelers would snap out of their tailspin.
Sadly, the Steelers did little to keep the fan’s enthusiasm stoked for very long during the game. It seemed like every time Pittsburgh made a good play or the Bengals kicker miscues, but they could not exploit the opportunity. The kicker missed the target zone, and the Steelers offense goes three and out after they are gifted the ball at the 40-yard line. Beanie Bishop intercepts the ball and the Steelers punt. Connor Heyward recovers a muffed punt return in Bengals territory. And the offense can only muster a field goal. The crowd roars with approval. Then groans in disappointment.
Despite the Bengals controlling the ball for much of the game, the Steelers still had a chance to give Chris Boswell a chance to kick a game winning field goal. The defense played well enough to win this game. But on third down, George Pickens can’t corral the ball. On fourth down, the ball glances off of Pat Freiermuth’s hands. No chance to try to spike the ball. And give Boswell an opportunity to steal this game. The game just ended with a collective sigh.
Remote Officiating
The NFL officials did not determine the outcome of the game. The Bengals won this game by outplaying and outcoaching Pittsburgh. But the officiating really vexed the fans inside the stadium. I do not know how it appeared for people watching the game on air. But three separate times in short succession, the referee appeared to signal a first down. But then the call was reversed on review. First, Pat Freiermuth’s sideline catch. Then the quarterback sneak on third and one. And another attempt on fourth and one. Now, I’m sure the replays on television show that each call was indisputably correct. But three times, the referee told the crowd in the stadium, the play is under review. One time, he no sooner got the words out of his mouth before saying the review says he didn’t make it. The replay shown on the jumbotron was unclear to me.
It just made it appear the head official on the field really was not in control of the game. He was just a mouthpiece like some mindless newscaster mouthing whatever was coming through his earpiece. Why do opposing coaches even have challenge flags if some anonymous official in New York can challenge the head officials on the field call on their behalf? This resulted in lusty booing from a confused and angry crowd. NFL officiating is quickly lowering its credibility. If plays are going to be officiated remotely, then provide some transparency to the fans with whomever is overturning these calls along with their record overruling officials on the field.
And the idea of getting it perfect is laughable. At the end of the third quarter the play clock clearly hit zero before the game clock. But no delay of game called.
Mike Logan in the House
There are always former Steelers at tailgates or inside the stadium. I got to meet Mike Logan in the house. He was a local kid from McKeesport then West Virginia University, who ended the last six years of his NFL career with his hometown Steelers. He showed me his Super Bowl ring and is still doing some radio work for his alma mater. Pat McAfee has got to get his fellow Mountaineer on his show!
Gameday Faces in the Crowd
A highlight of attending this game was meeting so many fellow Steelers fans that braved the cold, blustery weather to cheer their team on. As usual Scott Juba and Carl were at the front of the Champions Club line hours before the gates opened.
Lenny and Cindie had their Renegade Tailgate going. We were able to watch the Ravens-Browns game in progress while we feasted and imbibed.
Hippy Dave woke up early Saturday morning and drove 10 hours from North Carolina to attend the game. He’s waking up early Sunday to drive 10 hours back.
73-year old Dorothy came over from Harrisburg. She sat out in the elements for the entire game including halftime. She does that nearly every home game. They do not make them like they used to. Trevor and Linda made the trek from across the state near Valley Forge.
Then my old fraternity brother Rich “Sugar Bear” Frankenfield. Earlier in the season we thought the game was likely to be played on a Sunday. He had family with him in Florida. He accompanied his grandchildren on a flight from West Palm Beach to Philadelphia on Saturday to head home to the Lehigh Valley. Then he rented a car to drive across the state to make it time for the team warmups.
The flexible scheduling is great for making the NFL more money. But really causes fans who have other things in their lives to contort their schedules to attend games. I met so many more dedicated fans. It made me appreciate attending the game in person despite the underwhelming performance of the team.
Game Review Resources
Here are some regular Steelers Depot articles that I read before and after games. If you want more blow by blow accounts or details of the game. Check these out:
Depot Roundtable Steelers versus Bengals Preview
Steelers Five Keys to Victory
Steelers versus Bengals Prediction
Recap Steelers versus Bengals
Steelers versus Bengals Winners and Losers
Tom’s Ten Takes on Steelers versus Bengals
Positional Grades Steelers versus Bengals
YOUR HOT TAKES DURING THE GAME
Thank you, Ross McCorkle, for keeping us up to date on the game’s Live Update and Discussion Threads. Steelers Depot respondents contributed 2,136 first half comments. Respondents added 2,150 more second half comments. Here are the top three comments from each half. I don’t know the algorithm used by Disqus but here is how they stacked it up:
The top first half comments:
- Ryan84 scoffed at the offensive performance: “An NFL QB in an NFL offense with THREE completions at the half? Lol”
- Nunya became nostalgic: “This is just a reminder how great Ben Roethlisberger was those last 2 season. We had the same line problem, and receiver problem, and he still threw for 55 TD’s.”
- And MikeyP agrees with an analyst that a 17-game season waters down the record book: “Thank you Aikman for pointing out that 1000 yards in a 17 games season isn’t a great accomplishment anymore.”
The top second half comments:
- The top comment of the second half from Goldrush: “PUT FIELDS IN”
- General Beers lamented for fans attending the game: “I feel bad for people who spend their hard earned money for over the top ticket prices and have to sit there and watch a product like this. These guys are making millions, and they are playing like they don’t want to be out there.”
- Finally, Chris92021 wants major change: “Tomlin might honestly be the most overrated coach/manager in 21st century sports. I am talking all sports. “
We demolished the 1,000 comment standard in both halves. But after a poor Pittsburgh performance not a lot positive to say.
CONCLUSION
Folks asked me how I was doing before the game. My response was, “I don’t know right now. But after the game I’ll either be happy or sad. That said, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still going to the playoffs no matter the outcome.”
Well, I was sad at the end of the game. And the Pittsburgh Steelers are still going to the playoffs. Plus, I’m glad to have spent some time with a fine bunch of fellow fans. No matter. The team is going to either Baltimore or Houston. Here we go.
Your Song Selection
I always like to include a bit of music. The team seemed to hit a low point after losing three straight games. They got even lower in this game against the Bengals. How low can they go? Here is Limbo Rock performed by Chubby Checker.
