WHO GETS THE CREDIT - BROWNIES EDITION

It wasn't the best looking win of the season, but it was a win against the Brownies and that is always a big one. Combined with the loss by Cincinnati to the Texans it put the Steelers back in first place in the North Division. Two 100 yard receivers, and almost a third, one 400 yard passer, 140 yards rushing from Rashard, Willie, and Mewelde. The defense did give up a TD to a team that is not known for any scoring, but the Steelers were in control for most of this game. So, who deserves the credit for this win?

Should Ben get the credit?
The second 400 yard passing game of his career, a couple 100 yard receivers and almost a third, 2 TD tosses, and almost a third. Ben played a great game and got to run the no huddle offense several times.

Should the receivers get the credit?
These guys played their butts off this game. Hines had some unbelievable stats for a 33 year old receiver and is the league leader in yards receiving. Santonio had some key receptions for first downs and so did Heath Miller. Mike Wallace had 50 yards and was a shoestring tackle from breaking one for a long TD run. He also almost had another TD on a reverse when he refused to go down close to the goal line. It looked like he'd be tackled around the 8 but broke through tackles and carried other defenders to the 2 yard line. This guy was a major find. Who was the Steelers 3rd receiver last year? Wallace has been the rare rookie that actually contributes.

Should the Running Backs get the credit?
These guys didn't have a great game, but did manage to come up with 108 yards. Parker and Mendenhall both had fumbles in the second half turnover fest which led Tomlin to put in the sure handed Moore at the end of the game to secure the win.

Should the O-Line get the credit?
Ben had plenty of time to throw this game. He did get knocked down a few times, but that's part of the game. It's pretty hard to eliminate all sacks, if they can be minimized that's about as much as you can ask for. The running backs accumulated 140 rushing yard also. They had several of the lineman leave with injuries during this one, but they all returned eventually.

Should the D-Line get the credit?
The line, now, without Aaron Smith continued their non 100 yard rusher streak. Travis Kirsche played well as the replacement for Smith as did Eason and Hood in their few opportunities. Brett Keisel almost came up with his first int since High School. The thing about these guys is the more you hear about them you know the Steelers played bad, because they allowed a lot of rushing yardage. But, the thing about that is you don't hear anything about them. Casey Hampton stuffs the middle and occasionally comes up with a sack when he gets mad enough.
A real test is just around the bend with Adrian Peterson coming to the Steel City on Sunday.

Should the Defensive Backs get the credit?
Except for the one long pass completed that set up a TD for the Browns the DBs played a good game. In his return, Troy came up with a big interception off of Josh Cribbs while the Browns were threatening to score. It's good to have him back. Looking at the replay of that long pass by the Browns it was just out of Troy's reach. These guys quietly had a good game. Brett Favre will be a test for them next week too.

Should the Special Teams get the credit?
Uh, no debate about this. Again, they let Josh Cribbs return a kick for a TD. Kick it out of bounds, squib it away from him, try onside kicks and let the defense stop them, but keep it away from this guy. They've got a few weeks to strategize for the next meeting. Stefan is doing ok, but it would be nice to get some big returns from him. Don't have to be TD's just some long ones.

So, the credit for this one goes to......
Ben and his 400 yard game and his receivers. I'm thinking Ben's going to have a few more 400 yard games with this group of receivers. This offense is fun to watch. I'd like to see the running backs contribute a little more but the passing game is clicking.