Steelers Get Giant Victory Despite Referees Interference

I have to admit that my partner-in-crime said she felt the Steelers would win. I called a 27-24 Giants win. I was wrong.

And I couldn't be happier.

The quarterback who had the ball in his hands lastly was the one I and many thought would win. That's exactly what happened, but it wasn't expected to be in a victory formation.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to another fourth-quarter comeback victory Sunday in the Meadowlands over the reigning champs and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, but it was Isaac Redman who was the true star Sunday afternoon.

Redman is the Steelers third-string running back behind injured Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer, but played like a starter Sunday by running roughshod over the New York Giants.

Redman was dealing with an injury of his own that had kept him out of the game against the Redskins, so it wasn't known how much he'd be able to run.

He silenced any questions by finishing with 26 carries for 147 yards and the touchdown that gave the Steelers a 24-20 lead with 4:02 left in the fourth quarter. Those 147 yards were a career-high for Redman.

He also ran right for a 28-yard run at the two-minute warning to allow the Steelers to take a knee three straight times and get into that aforementioned victory formation.

It wasn't as if it was an easy game against the defending champs, though. Especially not in their house. The Giants are a very strong team, who going into the game, had recorded two or more turnovers in their six victories this year.

The Steelers were able to reverse that trend tonight as they won despite having a "fumble" retuned for a touchdown and an interception lead to a score. Also despite having three punt/kick returns of 40 yards or more that didn't lead to points.

The Steelers pulled together, though, and played well in all three phases of the game overall.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said last week that he felt this team was coming together when speaking on how important the second half of the season is.

"I'd like to think we are a group on the rise," he said. "I've always thought that the eventual world champion needs to be the one on the rise."

They proved just that Sunday against the Giants, as Tomlin acknowledged in his post-game press conference. - http://tinyurl.com/bctoucn

Some are even saying that by beating the champs that the Steelers are contenders again. Like they say, to best the man you have to beat the man. The Steelers beat the man Sunday. - http://tinyurl.com/aneoavt

One thing that did bother me today was some...questionable refereeing in favor of the champs, mostly in the first half.

As a rule, If It Ain't Steel doesn't blame or bash the referees for ineptitude. We neither do it individually nor in the blog.

Yeah...have to change that policy a little bit today.

The refereeing was HORRIBLE early in the game. I'm not a conspiracy guy, but I did see a black helicopter or two over the stadium. It was pathetic!

First, there was a pass interference call on the ever-emerging Keenan Lewis. Terrible call! Look at replay! Lewis got a pass interference call for just touching him. It wasn't even enough contact to influence catch. College basketball referees even thought that was a ticky-tack call! Absurd!

Next, it looked like Ike Taylor almost had another interception. Oh, yeah, by the way, Swag had an interception. (I know, right?!? He did, though! I promise, check the tape.) Anyway, just as he missed the pick, Ryan Clark stirred Victor Cruz's salsa with a shoulder-to-rib/shoulder hit that was called a helmet-to-helmet hit.

TERRIBLE CALL AGAIN. No blow to the head! RIDICULOUS! Clark hit Cruz in the head so hard that Cruz had BRUISED RIBS.

Craig Wolfley, former Steelers lineman and current Steelers analyst said on WDVE that he thought he heard the referee say "I think I messed up."

YA THINK?!

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said: "Bad call [on] Clark but to be honest, his reputation is starting to catch up to him -- right or wrong."

BULLCRAP!

The referees have a job to do, not reputations to worry about. The only thing the officials could say is that Clark hit a defenseless receiver. Which Cruz wasn't. Terrible call.

Then Ed Bouchette tweeted this: "Bill Leavy's crew of officials not distinguishing themselves in early going of #Steelers, #Giants. Phantom fouls, bad spot now a TD?"

At that point I was thinking, "Aww...crap, the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl referee. He better at least kiss Tomlin....cuz we're gettin f*cked harder than Jenna Jameson."

Then there was a clip on Heath Miller, a hold (or three) on James Harrison and a questionable non-call on Corey Webster for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Mike Wallace. Wallace wasn't defenseless and he was getting up to run, so I'll let that slide for now. But...

"It was a pass by Roethlisberger, says NBC official consultant @RefereeJimD. - Pro Football Talk.

The Tuck Rule seems as if it should've been in play or maybe simply an incomplete pass as Big Ben's arm was going forward as it was hit by Osi Umenyiora.

Former head of NFL officials, Mike Pereira, agreed: "Leavy felt ball was loose after contact by Osi. Very tight play. I think he still had control. In my opinion it was an incomplete pass."

Even The Bus, @JeromeBettis36 on Twitter, chimed in: "I try not to talk about the refs but that was the worst call and review I have ever seen!!!! #BadCall"

This was all in the first half, mind you. There was nothing else to say except at that point, though, that the referees gave the Giants at least seven points in the first half. Terrible calls.

Deebo must've gotten to them at halftime, however, because things leveled out for the most part in the second half. It was actually the Steelers themselves who were making the game interesting.

On fourth and one at the two, instead of running Redman or running a quarterback sneak, they ran an inexplicable fake field goal that looked doomed from the start. I don't actually mind the concept, but they were killing them on the ground. Thankfully, it ultimately didn't hurt them.

At the end of the third quarter the Steelers were down 20-10. The real fourth-quarter comeback QB had them just where he wanted them.

Big Ben threw a slant pass to Wallace and Mike just used his speed to weave his way across the field to get into the end zone for a 51-yard score that made it 20-17...and everybody loved Wallace again.

It was the ninth touchdown of 50-plus yards for Wallace's career. It came at the right time too, considering he'd had another drop, his fifth in the last 10 quarters, earlier in the game.

Guys, you know that girlfriend you had who was either crazy or high maintenance, but you put up with her because she was THAT DAMN FINE? That's Mike Wallace. Fans will yell and scream, but that "Oh, sh**!" speed is a mighty big bandaid. - http://tinyurl.com/ag9d37j

A bandaid that allowed Redman to eventually seal it with his touchdown.

Statement win. One that could propel the Steelers back into contention.

~

TIDBITS: Antonio Brown was hurt early in the game on a deep pass. Seems to be minor, but he didn't return to the game. AB has a high ankle sprain. - http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000090320/article/injury-roundup-antonio-brown-darren-mcfadden-hurt

~

Eli Manning threw for only 125 yards in one of the worst games of his career.The Giants were only 2-10 on third downs with Eli being only 1-6 on third. Steelers' defenders said earlier in the week they were out to prove they're still one of NFL's best. A lot of proof on Sunday. - http://t.co/ecU3KIlJ

~

Chris Rainey needs X-rays and could be going to hospital per Wolfley. He also said they had a hard time getting the pads off of Rainey because of a rib cartilage tear. More to come Tuesday.

Steelers vs Giants Is Absolute 'Marquee Matchup'

On September 20, 1933 the Pittsburgh Steelers, then the Pirates, were born. They were manhandled in their inaugural game at Forbes Field by the New York Giants, 23-2. In what is the oldest rivalry the Steelers have via length of time, the two teams would go on to meet 77 more times (Giants leading 46-29-3) and again this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The game features possibly the best quarterback matchup the NFL will see this season: the Steelers Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Giants Eli Manning. Both quarterbacks are in their prime and look to give the fans what has been billed as "one of the marquee quarterback matchups ever." - http://tinyurl.com/bpp5dr3

There have only been six previous meetings ever between two quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings.

Even their teammates recognize the weight of this weekend's elite pairing.

"Maybe (Nos.) 1 and 2 quarterbacks in the league when it comes down to 4th quarter, two, three minutes left...two of the best in the business," said Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace.

He made sure to finish off his assessment by saying, "I'm gonna ride with my guy, No. 7, everyday."

Wallace, whom we'll highlight later, is right in having such confidence in his quarterback, but both QBs are capable of taking over the game.

Each future Hall of Fame quarterback boasts gaudy numbers with Big Ben having a 101.4 QB Rating and Eli manning (no pun intended) the NFL's 2nd-most prolific offense.

Each has talented wide receivers and tight ends.

Each has the ability to scare defenses with their ice-water-in-their-veins fourth-quarter prowess.

Each has an offensive line that is adequately protecting them this season. The Giants have only given up seven sacks, six against Eli, and the Steelers offensive line has given up 12, but only 11 against Big Ben with four being giveaways.

This Steelers team in particular, though, will go where Big Ben takes them. They don't have the dominant defense they've had in previous years, nor do they have the running game they've had in the past.

This team, Sunday and this season, lives and dies with its quarterback.

And that's just fine with Big Ben.

Ben has been open about wanting to be the best QB on the field each Sunday. Though he has great respect for Eli, he hasn't forgotten being passed over and being picked 11th-after Eli and Philip Rivers.

He hasn't forgotten either that he lost to both Mannings in the 2008 season. He doesn't want to repeat that.

Ben is definitely focused this season and it shows in his play. He's led the offense to 29 splash/explosive plays through the air so far this season and has thrown 14 touchdown passes in a pretty good "dink and dunk" offense. - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Ben-Roethlishberger---1031/3b4ac1ee-69ec-42e6-8406-d5d868d7e328

Not only Big Ben, but others on the team have been commenting on how well the offense is starting to click.

"Right now, we're clicking on all cylinders and it looks really good," said Emmanuel Sanders.

Max Starks also said that he can tell that Todd Haley is getting increasingly comfortable with the Steelers personnel as the season goes forward.

It comes at a good time ,too, because the Steelers are facing a defense that's hurting.

The Steelers may be down a couple of running backs, neither Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) nor Jonathan Dwyer (quad) will play, but the Giants linebacker corps is hurting as well.

Chase Blackburn and Jacquian Williams are out, and Keith Rivers is doubtful for Sunday. That means Mark Herzlich now will get the start at middle linebacker for the Giants.

Isaac Redman will get the start Sunday, but don't discount the Steelers running game. Not only are the Giants hurting badly, but Todd Haley's "dumbing-down" of the run game has been a success and could continue to be Sunday. - http://t.co/ZrtdLiHA

Speaking of hurting badly, the Giants are also dealing with injuries to free safety Kenny Phillips (questionable) and strong safety Antrel Rolle (probable).

That might mean a lot of Big Nickel and/or Dime packages from the Giants to offset their ailments. Given that their cornerbacks have shown themselves to be very inconsistent, such an approach would be expected.

Prince Amukamara and Corey Webster both have been victimized lately. Amukamara was especially targeted against the Cowboys as Dallas was within a knuckle of beating the Giants last week.

As Mike Wallace pointed out earlier this week, "Yeah, they give up a lot of yards, but at the same time they have guys who take the ball away a lot."

He speaks the truth. The Giants are 24th in the NFL in yards allowed, 26th in passing yards, have given up approximately seven touchdowns of 25 yards or more and have allowed 35 pass plays of 20 yards or more.

Yet, their defense has 16 interceptions. By contrast, the Steelers have three.

A big part of that for the Giants is Stevie Brown, who has five interceptions and two fumble recoveries leading the league in takeaways. - http://t.co/SJgX0K6s

Wallace went on to reveal the main reason the Giants remain a formidable defensive opponent: "They have probably the best defensive front in football."

The Giants' front four is as good at getting to the quarterback as nearly anyone. They have 21 sacks on the season with 16.5 coming from the defensive linemen. Jason Pierre-Paul leads them with 5.5 sacks.

They are long, athletic and scary...and interchangeable. It isn't Justin Tuck or Osi Umenyiora who is second in sacks, but Linval Joseph with four.

Speaking of Justin Tuck and his one-sack season thus far, he made some comments claiming that the Steelers hold all the time. This is what he had to say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6jT3Q3gyvs

The Steelers will need to double-team, chip with a running back and Ben will need to get the ball out of his hands quicker via shorter drops in order to keep their pass rush at bay.

Like David Todd of ESPN 970 said on his personal Twitter (@DavidMTodd) account, "This, maybe more than any other week, is a week when people should be happy that Haley is #Steelers offensive coordinator. #checkdown"

Speaking back on Wallace and in his defense for a moment, Todd also brought up a very salient stat regarding the wide receiver.

Wallace has been receiving his share of flack for his drops this season, but Todd made pointed that the fans, If It Ain't Steel inclusive, have overreacted a bit.

"What does this group of WRs have in common? Decker, Megatron, B. Lloyd, Victor Cruz, A. Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Maclin, Dez Bryant? .... They all have a higher drop rate than Mike Wallace. #onebadgame #Steelers"

"One bad game" is right. Wallace had only one recorded drop prior to the three-drop performance against the Bengals. He also ahead of last season's pace for drops. He's getting better at catching with his hands instead of letting the ball hit his body first.

What else is that Wallace is on pace for a season of 80 receptions, 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. "Tha Kidd" has the speed threat that keeps defenses honest (read: "that scares defenses sh**less), and which is why there tends to be so much room underneath.

Defenses have to decide whether they want to chance letting Wallace get them deep, or to be 'dinked and dunked' by Heath Miller, Antonio Brown or Manny Sanders.

All-in-all, Wallace is adjusting nicely and "happily" in the new offense. - http://tinyurl.com/aevtsp4

Big Ben can accommodate either of those approaches, as he's basically been in a 'pick your poison' mode and Heath Miller in particular has benefited. The underrated tight end is finally seeing the end zone this season. - http://tinyurl.com/am4laqg

It wouldn't even be a stretch to say that Miller is probably the one player who absolutely doesn't miss Bruce Arians. Haley mentioned Miller as soon as he was introduced in the offseason and he has put his money where his mouth is. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Coordinators-Corner-Haley--LeBeau/6120243b-71f5-4c11-adcd-2e10d661e905

The other quarterback on the field Sunday has a plethora of weapons as well and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised him accordingly. - http://tinyurl.com/ajkpyfj

Eli ranks among the league leaders in accuracy and splash/explosive plays, as the Giants also have 29 such plays. Eli loves the deep ball and Victor Cruz is a big part of that.

Cruz has 52 catches for 650 yards and seven touchdowns. Hakeem Nicks hasn't been quite as effective, but is still dangerous.

In their base offense, the Giants will use the fullback, Henry Hynoski, and try to establish the run to make use of the play-action, but can just as easily go three-wide.

When in a three wide receiver set, expect to see Cruz in the slot and Nicks and Domenik Hixon on the outside. The coverage should show Ike Taylor on Cruz most of the game, even in the slot, and Keenan Lewis on Nicks.

The key to keeping Eli from gashing them and to keep Cruz from doing the Salsa too much, is a pass rush. That means Dick Lebeau has to have his unit ready and trusting one another in order to increase their 12 sacks so far this season. - http://tinyurl.com/ccl9eoh

This isn't something the Steelers have shown the ability to do. In fact, as seen in the Coordinator's Corner video link above, LeBeau realizes that splash plays are important and have been missing. For instance, 77 of the 234 points that the Giants have scored this season have come off of turnovers. In contrast, the Steelers have just 18 points off of turnovers this year.

It's a bit of a cliche, but turnovers and sacks can be the difference in this game. With the quarterbacks, offenses and defenses being fairly even (though, the Steelers' D is better statistically), it may just come down to such splash plays. Force them into turnovers and limit your own. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8581118&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

In years to come we may be able to look at this game and appreciate this game as something more than it was. For now, though, all either team is truly concerned with is getting out of the Meadowlands with a victory and moving themselves closer toward gelling and peaking at the right time in order to be ready for that all-important playoff birth.

Also, can the Steelers road win become a trend? The Giants aren't exactly the best team at home over the last few years (2007-2011) with only a 24-16 home record. It could be the salve the Steelers need.

Regardless of all considered, this marquee quarterback matchup may be a precursor to something later down the line, or it may just be a great Sunday afternoon game. Either way, the one who has the ball in his hands lastly just may be the one walking out of MetLife with that victory.

For Roethlisberger and Eli Manning Sunday, Ten is Significant Number

It was the 2004 NFL Draft and there was a debate over which young quarterback, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers or Big Ben Roethlisberger, would be taken first.

In a quarterback draft class that could be compared to those in 1971 and 1983, not only was Manning taken first, but there was a trade between he and the second player taken, Rivers, making Roethlisberger the third. Yet, it's the number ten that keeps popping up when considering the two quarterbacks.

Ten players ended up being taken before Big Ben, something which he hasn't forgotten. - http://t.co/SmevZNyY

When Big Ben and Eli, No. 10 in your New York Giants program, take the field at the Meadowlands Sunday, it will be yet another act in the dramatic play that has been unfolding in front of us ever since that April day in 2004.

When you look at the accomplishments, the numbers and the hardware, Big Ben and Eli remain at or near the top of the class.

If It Ain't Steel wrote an article back in February about the connection between the two, and many others have written articles comparing the two as well. It seems they can't escape comparisons of late. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-gratuitous-ben-vs-eli-article_16.html

The comparisons having grown especially strong with Eli matching Big Ben with his second Super Bowl win, as well as second comeback victory and game MVP, last season.

How similar their paths have been can be detailed in various ways, including each winning on the other's home field. They met in '04 with the Steelers winning 33-30, and then the Giants returned the favor in '08 with a 21-14 victory.

Both quarterbacks are also very clutch.

Eli has led the Giants to 10 fourth-quarter comebacks over the past two seasons. While Big Ben set a record for most fourth-quarter comeback victories (19) and game-winning drives (25) through a QB's first seven seasons. He now sits at 21 and 27 respectively.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley even tells the tale of the tape, charting even more similarities, in an article he recently wrote on the two heavyweights: http://t.co/bJ44e69p

As Hensley points out in his piece, Big Ben does have the edge in wins. However, in the tenth month of October, Big Ben has a 25-8 record. An admirable record, but one that has him third among active quarterbacks. Who's directly ahead of him? Eli with a 26-5 record.

When all things are laid down, it simply put is hard to separate the two quarterbacks in terms of their intangibles too.

Big Ben is a barn-strong man who is hard to bring down and fits the blue-collar mentality of Pittsburgh.

Eli represents New York well-enough as well, known for its toughness. Ripping away from a sure sack to throw the famous helmet catch by tight end David Tyree keeping the drive alive in Giants-Patriots I solidified that.

Don't sleep on Big Ben's pump fake ability, either. Ask any NFL defensive back, it can be deadly. A fact that was evidenced again last Sunday against the Redskins.

Also underrated is Eli's escapability. His footwork allows him to maneuver in and out of the pocket to make plays. It is something the Steelers must respect this Sunday.

All things considered, consistency and playoff wins are what will generally define a quarterback, especially if you are truly of the elite. In this, Big Ben holds the edge with 10 playoff wins to Eli's eight.

Ultimately, though, the pinnacle of those achievements is the Lombardi Trophy. And since it has been pointed out that Big Ben and Eli are even in that category, the most important number for them may in actuality be three.

Another Gratuitous Ben vs. Eli Article

It seems they just can't escape one another.

No matter what they do, Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning are constantly compared to one another anymore. Is it a bad thing? Not when both are Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, I suppose. Because, let's be real, no one cares about comparing Dan Orlavsky to Tyler Palko. So, I'll take it as it is.

There is another quarterback who was drafted along with them by the name of Phillip Rivers. You remember him, right? No? He plays for the San Diego Chargers. Yes, San Diego still has a team. C'mon, they wear powder blue...oh, forget it. Moving on.

Getting back to the Battle Royale that is Ben vs. Eli, if we're going to compare the two it has to be done with the most important numbers and accomplishments. Wins cover so many ailments and both quarterbacks bring those to the table. Each one has his downfalls too, but the good outweighs the bad in each case.

For the record, my money is with Ben Roethlisberger. I respect Eli Manning and even wanted him coming out of Ole Miss. Manning has also taken the edge recently in fourth quarter comeback victories with 21, while Roethlisberger has 20. But, to this point Ben simply has the edge in my book.

Roethlisberger leads Manning in seven out of the ten most important categories. Roethlisberger has thrown fewer interceptions in the regular season (29 less) and has won 16 more games overall. But, Manning has thrown for 20 more touchdowns in the regular season and 10 fewer interceptions than Roethlisberger in the postseason. Ultimately, Roethlisberger and Manning are reasonably similar. While Ben and Eli compare well to each other, and despite Manning’s two Super Bowl MVP Awards, the slight edge has to go to Big Ben because of his consistency.

A quarterback’s primary responsibility is to win games, and Roethlisberger has shown consistently, since his first year in the league, that he is more than capable, even more so than Eli, with a .714 winning percentage. Also to be considered is that during Ben’s eight year career, he has posted a 92.1 quarterback rating, while Manning in that same eight year period has only even topped that mark twice.

Finally, when it comes to protecting the football in the regular season, Manning has accounted for 160 total turnovers, nearly five more turnovers per year than Roethlisberger.

The numbers, as I stated, lean in Big Ben's favor. It has resulted in one more Super Bowl appearance for Big Ben as well. What really needs to be remembered in this is that Ben might just be energized by these comparisons. Plus, don't underestimate Ben's passion for winning another Super Bowl. It wouldn't be surprising to see Big Ben with a resolve to be even better and to "tweak" his game so that he can coax as much as possible out of his young wide receivers and so that he isn't sacked as much. Would you want 300 lbs of man-meat falling on you? Unless you're Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken, I'm assuming your answer is no. Neither would I. Did I just cross a line?

Regardless, the wins, playoff wins and overall numbers point to Big Ben being the better quarterback. But, seriously, Phillip Rivers. He wears no. 17. He's been to the playoffs for goodness sake...!