People may say it was only the Bengals, but the repercussion of a Steelers loss would have damaged any hopes of salvaging the season.
As Lee Flowers said before the victory- "This is a must win game". Very few players, or coaches, will ever call a game this early in the season a must win. Lee Flowers had the intestinal fortitude to admit what everyone else was thinking.
As it turns out, we will never know the devastation a loss would have had on the remainder of the season. Sure, they could have won the next 10 and finished at 12-4. Highly unlikely. What we do know, is the victory once again furnishes the players, and fans, with more optimism.
The Bus rolled once again. He had his first 100yd game of the year, and punished defenders while doing it. He would not be denied on his two touchdown runs, and he dragged would be tacklers on his back for most of the afternoon. He ran with the grit and determination that had been missing since the Cleveland game. If Jerome can carry that torrid pace into the next few games, it can't help but open up the passing game. It would be a nice change to see the passing and running game work at the same time. Optimism!
While Kordell didn't throw any interceptions this game, he didn't have any touchdown tosses either. For the most part of the day he played well, but he overthrew his receivers on too many occasions. He also had some dropped balls that didn't help his stats. He seemed content to stay in the pocket on this day, and only rushed for 9 yards. His confidence level seems to be improving though, and he seems ready for a breakout game. Monday night against the fading Falcons seems like a good spot. Optimism!
The Defense took out their frustrations from the previous week on the Bengals Offense. Led by a possessed Orpheus Roye, they held the NFL's leading rusher, Corey Dillon to 78 yards. They intercepted 2 of Akili Smiths passes, and dropped another 3 would be picks. They also batted down numerous throws, and sacked him 4 times. They allowed 3 measly points, and refused to break when Cinci had the ball at the goal line. Optimism!
Washington and Scott had their best games of the year. They held Carl Pickens to 4 catches for 54 yards. A pretty good feat against one of the leagues top pass catchers. On the few opportunities when the receivers were catching the ball, they were delivering devastating blows to make them a little leery about catching it the next time. All in all, they played outstanding. Does it look like we have 2 quality starting Cornerbacks? Optimism!
Thus far, the season has not unfolded as I had envisioned at the onset. Having an 0-2 home record does not usually happen with playoff caliber teams. But, 3-1 on the road is not too shabby. Kordell seems to be finding his niche, Troy Edwards is improving weekly, the Bus is starting to roll, and our Defense can be matched with any other in the league. I know it was only the Bengals, but it stopped the bleeding for a little while.
My once half empty cup is now half full.
by Steelergil (Oct. 18, 99)