WHO GETS THE CREDIT - MINNESOTA EDITION

What a great game! The old and new guard of the gunslinger quarterbacks playing each other for the first time and really it turned out to be a defensive game. The final score was 27-17, but 14 of the Steelers 27 points were on defense and 7 of the Vikings 17 were on special teams. So without those big plays it could have been 13-10. Woulda, coulda, who cares, the Steelers pulled it out with those awesome returns. I said a few weeks ago that I could easily dish the credit out for every win to Ben, this game I could probably slant it his way, but he had somewhat of an off week this one. Still, in his off weeks he's still better than any Browns QB on their best week. Thank the football gods that the Browns decided they needed a Tight end worse than a QB a few years ago. Again, the difference between a well managed team and a poorly managed team.
Back on topic, WHO GETS THE CREDIT for this one….

Was it Ben? Well, I've already divulged that I didn't think he had his best game against the Vikes, passer rating in the 80's, didn't have the completion percentage in the 70's, just seemed a bit off target this week. Also, like I said his off day is better than most of the quarterbacks in the league's good day. He found Mike Wallace several times for key plays and didn't throw any interceptions. Not a bad day, all considered.

Was it the Receivers? Hines only had one reception for 3 yards, obviously the Vikes tried to take him out of the game. Santonio had another awesome run after a catch where he weaved his way down to the 8 yard line. I think the Super Bowl MVP haze might be wearing off and he's getting focused in again. Mike Wallace, "the Hawk" soared in for another 40 yard TD catch right before halftime and had another scoop earlier for a first down. Heath Miller also continued his stellar play this season with several catches. Heath is such a contributor for this team. He's a great pass catcher, sneaking out as an outlet for Ben and also a threat downfield.

Was it the Running Backs? Rashard Mendenhall continued his mostly promising performance with close to 70 yards on 10 carries. But, he only had 10 carries. Seems like maybe that kickoff return for a touchdown wouldn't have time to happen if he would have had, say 20 carries and eaten up the clock a little more. But the passing game has been working this year so why fix it if it isn't broken. Plus, Rashard fumbled on that goal line leap, and was replaced by the sure handed Mewelde Moore after. That actually was a great goal line leap and would have been a score if it was actually on the goal line. But he has revived the running game and Willie is getting healthy all this time while RM is carrying the load. It sure doesn't hurt to have 2 healthy first stringers on the roster. Running Backs have a hard time staying healthy for 16 games.

Was it the O-Line? You know what? Very few people are talking about these guys lately. You know what else? That's a good thing. These guys are giving up about 3 sacks a game and their main running back averaged about 7 yards per run in this game. People don't talk about the offensive line if they're doing their job and these guys have obviously grown together as starters and are starting to know where their teammates are. 2 of those sacks can be chalked up to Ben hanging onto the ball to make a play, which is ok.

Was it the Defensive Line? The leading rusher in the NFL, who the week before had 170 yards against the Raiduhs was held to sixty something and was twice stopped at the 1 yard line. He had a couple decent runs, but they kept him in check for the most part. The Diesel Keisel came up with the big play of the afternoon and stripped the ball out of Favruh's clutch to get the assist for LaMarr Woodley's TD run. These guys played a good game.

Was it the Linebackers? Farrior had 15 tackles, Harrison continued his MVP prowess adding 2 sacks, Keyaron Fox had a gift from Chester Taylor land in his hands and ran it back for a touchdown, Woodley also ran back a fumble for a touchdown. Those 2 TDs were much needed as Favruh was driving the Packers to take the lead or tie it.

Was it the Defensive Backs? Favruh had a 300 yard game, and drove the field 2 times in the last couple minutes, mostly through the air. William Gay was the target most of the day. He makes some big plays, but let's some happen too. Unfortunately he was posterized by AP on one.

Was it the special teams? The Steelers announcers keep telling us Stefan Logan is this close to breaking one for a TD, and we keep waiting. We saw the special teams give up another one to the other team this week too. Reed and Sepulveda are consistent. Nothing to complain about on field performance there.

So, this week the credit goes to….drum roll please…..
The linebackers and the Defensive Line. They stuffed the AP train most of the afternoon, then when a stop was needed on 2 consecutive Green Bay drives they not only stopped the drives, but Kiesel stripped the ball giving Woodley the TD on the first one and The Fox INT'd the Favruh pass on the second drive and jogged in for a TD. Nice job of using your blockers by those 2 Linebackers. Also, Farrior had 15 tackles. Gotta get one of those hyperbaric chambers that he's supposedly using.

Next up is the Broncos in Denver on MONDAY NIGHT FOOOOOOTBALLL. Will Ryan Clark play. The poll said he shouldn't. He hasn't decided yet, though. We will soon see, but not this Sunday.

Steelers Rule!!!!!