The Steelers finally beat the Patriots! It’s hard to believe, but true. The Black and Gold may have saved their season with the victory at Heinz Field. Truth be told, I thought the Steelers were capable of winning but didn’t think they’d pull it off. I also never thought it would be a defensive struggle. I figured Tom Brady would carve up the Steelers and the game would be a shootout.
• Give credit to much maligned head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Keith Butler for putting together a winning game plan to beat the Pats. It worked to perfection. With the exception of a blown early coverage that resulted in a Patriots score, the Steelers held Brady and the Pats in check. Who could have imagined that? The Steelers also made superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski a non-factor. I saw it, and yet I still don’t believe it.
• I’d give game balls to Steelers rookies Jaylen Samuels and James Washington. Samuels was outstanding, both running and receiving. Washington, who Ben Roethlisberger called out weeks ago, made a couple of really big catches. This game will only give these two youngsters more confidence. Good for them.
• Chris Boswell missed another field goal, but came back to nail a really big one late in the game for the Steelers. That was good to see. Still, Boswell can’t be counted on in the clutch down the stretch. I hope his last kick will help him get his confidence back.
• The Steelers will probably lose at New Orleans. If they can beat the Bengals in the finale that might be enough for them to win the division. Baltimore goes to LA to face the red hot Chargers this week. That won’t be easy. If the Ravens lose that one the division is there for the taking for the Steelers.
• The Pens are back in the playoff picture after another great week. Despite all the injuries the Pens are really coming on. They’re starting to resemble a team that has a chance to make a nice playoff run.
• Being a backup goaltender in the NHL is not easy. Casey DeSmith has been a huge factor in the Pens’ recent turnaround. DeSmith has been terrific in the nets and has gotten a lot of work. He’s definitely been up to the task. DeSmith doesn’t figure to challenge Matt Murray now that he’s back and health. Still, it’s good to know the Pens can count on him. He’s been a real star on a team full of star power.
• Neal Huntington had a chance to leave the Pirates for the San Francisco Giants but has decided to stay in Pittsburgh. It says something that the Pirates’ GM would turn down the job with an organization that has won three World Series titles in recent years. It’s highly unlikely the Pirates will contend anytime soon. Still, Huntington says he likes Pittsburgh and wants to help the team win its first title since 1979. I’d love to see that happen, but doubt it ever will unless the Pirates make the financial commitment it takes to compete with the big boys.
• Andrew McCutchen will soon play for his fourth team in less than two years. Cutch is now a Philadelphia Phillie and will play on the other side of the state for the next three years. I’m a little surprised Cutch got a three year deal this late in his career. He’s clearly on the decline. That said, I hope he does great in Philly and gets that championship ring he deserves.
• RIP George Coury. George may have been the greatest Pirates fan ever. He missed only a handful of games at both Three Rivers Stadium and PNC Park in nearly four decades. I doubt there’s ever been a more dedicated Pirates fan.
• RIP Bill Fralic. The former Pitt star was a legend both on and off the football field. He was one of the best linemen ever to come out of Western Pa. Fralic was also known as a very generous man who gave back to his alma mater and community. He will be missed.
