Steelers dominate in first preseason game of the year
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by Behbigben15
In the first action of the preseason tonight in the Hall of Fame Game, the Pittsburgh Steelers crush the New Orleans Saints 20-7. To all of you Steelers fans like me: Get ready for an exciting year. The Steelers started off with a Bang, and as usual, finished with a bang. The first drive of the game was a quick and easy one, Ben Roethlisberger, and the Steelers offense marched down the field in just six plays, the highlight of the drive was a 55-yd pass from Roethlisberger to WR Cedrick Wilson, to cap off the drive RB Najeh Davenport ran it in from four yards out.
That was the only scoring in the first quarter. Either the Saints offense had an off day, or the Steelers defense had an on day, I think it was a little bit of both. The first five Saints possessions ended with punts (three were 3 and outs), and eight of their eleven possessions ended up with punts. Each team used all four of their QB's, the starters weren't in long, but that doesn't matter, the preseason is for the younger guys anyway. Drew Brees went 1-6, for 6 passing Yds in two series, while Big Ben went 2-3, for 73 Yds in just one series. The Steelers three backup QB's went for a combined 12-22, for 180 Yds, and 1 TD, while the saints backups went 12-24, for 126 Yds, and a TD, and INT.
The Steelers running game was spectacular. Has anyone ever heard of Carey Davis? I haven't either until tonight, he picked up 68 rushing yards on 7 carries, for an average of 9.7 yards a carry. He was looking like Jerome Bettis, running through people. The Steelers have had a no namer become a spectacular back in one year before (Willie Parker anyone?). Najeh Davenport is most likely going to be the goal line back this year, he ran 6 times for 14 yds, and a TD. Willie Parker didn't play, and Verron Haynes only got one carry. For New Orleans, Deuce McAllister didn't play, and Reggie Bush got two carries for 8 Yds, instead rookie back Antonio Pittman out the Ohio State University got the majority of the carries (seven) for 20 Yds, which by the way led the team.
The Steelers receiving corp will be one of the best, they have got a great vet in Hines Ward (did not play tonight), and Cedrick Wilson, plus a couple small, quick receivers in second year player (also out of the Ohio State University) Santonio Holmes, and Nate Washington, who Ben Roethlisberger said was one of the most athletic guys he's ever played with. The saints probably have one of the youngest receiving corps in the NFL, with second year Marques Colston, and fourth year Terrance Copper, along with Devery Henderson (in his fourth season as well), and rookie Robert Meachem, (who by the way got jacked up tonight by Pitt DB William Gay, who is also trying to make a name for himself, and has so far after that hit, and two other tackles alonng with an INT). The Saints this year have another receiving threat coming out of the backfield, Reggie Bush, who led all rookies with 88 receptions last year.
The steelers defense came out and played the way they do every year, and that means flying around and hitting people. The Steelers may not even miss the heart and soul of their defense from last year, Joey Porter, after drafting LB Lamar Woodley, and Lawrence Timmons. The linebackers are still the strongest part of there defense, WATCH OUT OFFENSES. The saints weakness on defense remains the same as last year, the secondary, tonight just about every single defensive back got burnt by the Steelers quick receivers. Though their defensive line is pretty good with Will Smith, and Charles Grant on the end, both of which are tremendous pass rushers. The Saints LB corp is built around ex-Eagle Mark Simoneau, who is a great tackler.
The Steelers pretty much just dominated this game. Rookie Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made a good impression on Steelers nation, and I can't wait for the regular season to start. Yes, I know this is the preseason, but I still have high hopes for my Steelers this year (perhaps playoffs?).
This is a warning to every NFL team and their fans: WE'RE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
