I could have not watched this game and probably written the script of how this game would go. Games like these are slowly becoming the blueprint for the 2009 Steelers.
The Steelers did whatever they wanted to on offense for a quarter a half and looked like they were well on their way to a blowout victory over the hapless Lions.
Then Ben Roethlisberger made an ill-advised throw and the Lions had a quick TD and were back in the game. Roethlisberger threw a couple TDs after that and the rout was on again.
Until the 4th quarter rolled around and the Lions dominated both sides of the ball, nearly coming back to tie the game.
Week after week, the Steelers flash the dominance that you’d expect them to show. But it’s only in bits and pieces and a lot of mediocre football shows up between the good times.
Ben Roethlisberger is playing the best football of his career. Rashard Mendenhall dominated for the second week in a row. James Harrison tore apart the Lions offensive line.
There’s a lot to like about the win.
But there is just a sinking feeling that this team is lacking the killer instinct that it had last year in big situations. You can get away with taking your foot off of the gas pedal against the Chargers and Lions, but if this isn’t fixed, it will be the Steelers downfall.
Grades on the way the next couple of days…
