Steelers win a thiller but Big Ben struck down again

Article and photos by Gordon Dedman

With only two games being played in the division that saw Cincinnati beating Cleveland and Pittsburgh taking the win over Oakland, the headline man of the weekend can only be Antonio Brown who set franchise records with 17 catches for 284 yards, including one that set up his team's winning field goal.

 

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers

After a ding dong battle between the two old rivals, the Steelers victory came at a price as they lost their leader Ben Roethlisberger to injury for the second time this season.

 

Roethlisberger was the catalyst as Brown's 284 yards and De'Angelo Williams combined 225 yards created Steelers history with two players eclipsing 200 yards from scrimmage in the same game. 

When Coach Tomlin's gamble on a fourth and four on the Steelers first drive failed, the Raiders took advantage of the good field position presented to them. After a 44-yard run by Latavius Murray and a 22-yard touchdown completion by Michael Crabtree, Oakland took an early 7-0 lead to stir the home fans into full voice.

 

The teams then exchanged leads before the Steelers held a 21-14 half time advantage at the half on the back of two touchdowns from Williams and two field goals from Chris Boswell. But it was Brown's 180 receiving yards for the first thirty minutes that told the story as the Steelers quarterback and receiver had reignited their successful partnership again.

Oakland's quarterback Derek Carr led his team on a 90-yard scoring drive midway through the third quarter to tie the game. With the game all even as it entered the fourth period, both teams fought valiantly to force the win. 

A Williams run of 53 yards was the backbone of a Steelers touchdown drive that put them in front and an Oakland fumble on the ensuing kick off, recovered by Pittsburgh on their opponents six yard line, saw the Steelers increase their margin with rookie Jesse James' first touchdown catch in the NFL. 

As Oakland staged a comeback, the intensity increased with both teams turning the ball over and with Roethlisberger limping off with his injury. Carr and the Raiders kept their poise and with touchdowns from Jamize Olawale and Michael Crabtree made the game all-square at 35-35. 

With Steelers backup quarterback at the helm Landry Jones and 1:15 left on the clock, there were not as many fans as usual leaving early. Landry's lob of 57 yards to Brown, gave the receiver a franchise record and set the Steelers up for a game winning field goal.

 

After the game, Antonio Brown was asked if the franchise records supersede the win, he replied, “I’m extremely blessed. The most important thing is that we’re a team at the end of the day.” While Roethlisberger was absent with his previous injury, Brown had reportedly been making noises about the lack of passes going his way.

Roethlisberger registered his 40th 300+ passing yards game and past Baltimore Colts Johnny Unitas on the all-time passing list. The Steelers will find it difficult to replace him when he decides to retire.