Steelers are Turkey Bowl Champs

The third annual BDML Turkey Bowl between the Steelers and Bengals took place this week as Pittsburgh improved their recod to 3-1 by defeating the Bengals 27-24 in overtime. It was a game of defensive domination with some explosive offense tossed into the mix by both teams.

The Steelers would score first on a 51 yard Jeff Reed fieldgoal but the Bengals bounced back to take the lead after Carson Palmer found C. Coffman for a 25 yard catch & score. A 72 yard interception returned for a touch down by the Steelers rookie ILB, Mack Jackson, would put the Steelers ahead again 10-7 but the Bengals closed out the half with a tying FG as the teams entered the break tied 10-10.

“It was a broken play as Palmer threw up the ball for grabs while in the grasp and about to be sacked. The ball floated in my direction and I was able to grab it and out run everyone to the endzone. A crazy play that I was able to turn into a positive for our team.” said Jackson about the pick six.

The second half would open with the Steelers rookie FB, E. Pollard, turning a long drive into a 19 yard TD catch and run and the Steelers were back on top 17-10 after Pollard turned the 3rd and 8 play into a touchdown for his team.

The Bengals would answer with a long drive of their own that carried over into the fourth quarter when WR, A. Caldwell, made a great catch for a 17 yard score as the Bengals would once again tie up the game.

‘It was back & fourth the entire game. We made a play, they made a play. It was almost like a great chess match between two teams that know each other very well. In the end we scratched our way back and found a way to win though and I am very proud of my men for hanging in until the end.” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin after the game.

The next drive the Steelers QB, ben Roethlisberger would be intercepted and the Bengals offense was back in business. A long drive almost stalled though as rookie sensation, HB L. James left the game with an undisclosed injury but back up runner J. Addai filled in nicely for the rookie and got into the endzone on a hard faught 5 yard touchdown run to put the Bengals up 24-17 with just under two minutes left in the game.

“When Addai scored I knew it was my fault due to the interception but I rallied my guys in the huddle and told them to get open and I would get them the ball as we wnet into our two minute drill, I had faith in them and knew the did me as well.” said Roethlisberger of the games final drive in regulation.

The Steelers would get the ball back and fight for every yard they got as they drove down the field. With 8 seconds left in the game and inside the Bengals 5 yardline though it did not look good as the Steelers drive would stall three straight plays and leave them with 4th down and time running out.

The final play in regulation though would be one both teams will remember for a long time as Big Ben would find Heath Miller between two defenders and Miller was able to hold onto the ball after taking a big hit to give his team the tying score and send the game into overtime.

“I told Ben in the huddle to look for me and I would be open, I knew they were blitzing that side of the field most of the game and had a hunch I would get some space handed to me when the did again and I was wrong, they dropped the LB back and I was left in between him and the safety but Ben made a great throw and I was able to hold on so it all worked out.” said Heath Miller of the game tying touchdown catch.

Jeff Reed would make the extra point that would send the game into OT and the Steelers were still alive and kicking. The Bengals would win the coin toss and take the ball to open the extra period though and just like that the momentumn would seem to swing back the Bengals way.

The Steelers defense had other plans though as they forced the Bengals into a three and out after stuffing the run on first down, forcing an missed throw on second and sacking Palmer on third down and “Who Dey” would be forced to punt the ball to the red hot Steelers offense.

The Steelers would gain a first down before rookie HB, L. Redmond would find a seem, break a couple tackles and scamper for a 39 yard gain to put his team into fieldgoal position and give them a chance to win the game. The Steelers would run the ball two more times to line up Jeff Reed before attemtping the 26 yard game winning FG. Reed hit the kick and the game was over.

“It was a great game, my hat goes off to the Bengals and to our team for not giving up. Both of us played great but in the end we made the plays to win it and thats what counts. I am just so proud of our young guys for stepping up. Several rookies made spash plays today and we feel they all have big heads right about now but hell, they earned it, so why not enjoy it.” said Roethlisberger after the game.

Up next for the Steelers are the 2-1 Dolphins who are coming off a much needed rest and bye week and with Joey Porter coming back to town it should be an interesting week.