2020 Steelers vs. Broncos NFL Week 2

Ben Roethlisberger falls on his sword for missed opportunities vs Broncos

Ben Roethlisberger isn’t all the way back and he knows it.

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Roethlisberger took full responsibility for INT and missed throws tonight, complimenting receivers for being in the right places.

"A lot of the throws I missed is me needing to trust myself and that the guys are in the right spots because are they are in the right places."

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 20, 2020

There were times on Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers offense looked out of sorts. It was clear there were opportunities missed because the players weren’t on the same page. When quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spoke to the press after the game he took full responsibility for missed opportunities.

This is nothing new for Roethlisberger. He is always the first guy to fall on his sword when the offense struggles even if it isn’t his fault. But this week it might have been. Roethlisberger finished with 311 passing yards but it was far from a clean game. Getting 84 yards on one completion really helped those numbers.

Roethlisberger is still working his way back from an injury that could have ended his career. It’s doubtful his body is 100 percent yet and it’s doubtful his confidence is either. Barring a setback, I’m hopeful we see a sharper and more confident version of Roethlisberger as the season goes on.

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Ben Roethlisberger gives game ball to teammate Kevin Dotson

Kevin Dotson’s dad is getting a game ball from Ben Roethlisberger.

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Ben Roethlisberger says he gave Kevin Dotson a game ball afterward to give to his dad, a BIG steelers fan.

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 20, 2020

Every NFL hopeful would love to play for their favorite team growing up. Offensive guard Kevin Dotson gets to live that dream by playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie Dotson got his first NFL start on Sunday as the Steelers beat the Denver Broncos 26-16.

After the game, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gave Dotson a game ball. But not for him. The ball was for Dotson’s dad, who is an even bigger Steelers fan than his son.

Getting back to the game, Dotson was great. He’s such a powerful athlete he just moves people off the line of scrimmage with his strength. There’s no word on how long Dotson will be the starter in place of David DeCastro but that position is in good hands for the time being.

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Steelers LB Vince Williams takes jab at awful officiating

Vince Williams isn’t subtle but he gets his point across.

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We beat two teams today! #WeAllWeGot

— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) September 20, 2020

We all missed the NFL. But we did not miss NFL officiating. On Sunday the Pittsburgh Steelers came away with the win over the Denver Broncos but not by lack of effort by the officials. This was a fact that Steelers linebacker Vince Williams didn’t miss as he took a not-so-subtle shot at the inconsistent officiating in the game on Twitter.

Twice the Steelers were called for phantom pass interference calls that kept things moving for the Broncos. But make no mistake, the officials also called offensive pass interference on Denver that didn’t exist as well. So perhaps instead of it being a conspiracy it was just more about the officials struggling after no offseason or preseason as well.

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Despite sloppy play, Steelers hold off Broncos for 26-21 win

It wasn’t pretty but Pittsburgh got the win.

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Going into halftime, it looked like the Pittsburgh Steelers had everything under control. A comfortable lead going against a backup quarterback. But Pittsburgh came out flat in the second half, let the Broncos get back into the game and needed a huge play on defense in the final moments to seal the 26-21 win and go to 2-0 on the season.

The win keeps Pittsburgh undefeated but this is far from a complete football team. The Steelers will get a real test next week when Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans come to town. On Sunday, the Steelers defense struggled to keep backup Jeff Driskell in check after Drew Lock left with injury.

Pittsburgh’s offense generated more than 400 yards, but 143 of those came on two plays. The third-down offense was miserable converting only two of 12 opportunities and penalties highlight some overall sloppy football.

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Watch vintage Ben Roethlisberger on this touchdown pass

Big doing Big Ben things.

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You love to see it‼️@_BigBen7 to @Juiceup__3

📺 #DENvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/25FtYFPcOg

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2020

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might not be 25 anymore but sometimes he makes you forget that. Check out the video above of Roethlisberger doing what he’s always done best. Extend a play and make a perfect throw on the move.

Roethlisberger connected with wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a 27-yard touchdown early in the first quarter to give the Steelers a 24-14 lead.

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Steelers head into halftime with 17-3 lead over the Broncos

The Steelers cruise through the first half against the Broncos.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is still knocking off the rust but the Steelers defense is in midseason form. Thanks to multiple big plays by the defense and one big one on offense. Pittsburgh holds a comfortable 17-3 lead at halftime over the Broncos.

On offense, you can see the Steelers are staying very conservative. Run the ball, lots of short crossing routes and minimize the pressure on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as well as an inexperienced offensive line. Roethlisberger has 188 passing yards at the half with 84 of those coming on a sweet 84-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chase Claypool.

The Steelers defense continues to show why they are among the true elite in the NFL. Five sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in the first half are just par for the course with this unit. Players like T.J. Watt and Joe Haden continue to spark a group that seems to have an extra gear whenever they need it.

The Steelers will get the football to start the second half.

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Watch Steelers rookie WR Chase Claypool get 1st NFL TD

Check out this touchdown by Chase Claypool.

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84. Yards. To. The. House.@_BigBen7 | @ChaseClaypool

📺 #DENvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/joAKC0p7cz

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2020

The hype is real around Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool. After getting his first NFL catch last week in impressive fashion, Claypool does himself one better by hauling in an impressive 84-yard catch and run this week against the Denver Broncos.

Pittsburgh drafted Claypool in the second round in 2020 because of his elite combination of size and speed. He showed off both on his touchdown catch as he pulled in the beautiful throw by Ben Roethlisberger and just pulled away from the Broncos defense on the way to the end zone. The score gave Pittsburgh a 14-3 lead.

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Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey wears name of slain police office on helmet

Maurkice Pouncey changes things up this week with his helmet.

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Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey is wearing the name of Eric Kelly, one of the police officers killed in the 2009 Stanton Heights shooting, on the back of his helmet.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) September 20, 2020

Earlier in the week, Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey said he would be deciding what name he would be putting on his helmet from now one. Last week he wore the name Antwon Rose Jr. on the back but after researching the situation fully realized it would be better to make that decision for himself.

According to Steelers beat writer Joe Rutter, this week Pouncey has opted for the name Eric Kelly. According to Rutter, Kelly was a police officer killed in the 2009 Stanton Heights shooting. We have not heard if any other players have chosen to change their helmets as well.

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Will Steelers HC Mike Tomlin actually split carries at RB vs the Broncos?

The Steelers might try something new today.

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From @NFLGameDay: #49ers TE George Kittle, out today, is battling a knee sprain and a bone bruise, but he's got a chance to play next week, source said. Meanwhile, the #Steelers will split carries amid the emergence of Benny Snell. pic.twitter.com/yYhbXna0vM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2020

The word out of Pittsburgh according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport is that the Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to split carries between James Conner and Benny Snell Jr. against the Denver Broncos.

If this is true it would be a significant departure from the philosophy of head coach Mike Tomlin. In the past, Tomlin has made no secret that he has a bell cow back and they get the touches. It was like that with Le’Veon Bell and it has always been that way with James Conner when healthy.

Snell was obviously the better running back last week, even before Conner got hurt. Tomlin might be willing to give this new concept a shot today but don’t be surprised if he quickly goes to the hot hand and scraps the idea. Good luck fantasy football owners of Conner or Snell.

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Steelers incatives: No surprises among Pittsburgh inactives vs the Broncos

Here are your Week Two inactives.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers put out their inactives for today’s game against the Denver Broncos and there were no huge surprises among the list. The one big shocker is that rookie running back Anthony McFarland Jr. gets a helmet today and will be on the active roster.

Here’s the full list of inactives.

QB Joshua Dobbs

TE Zach Gentry

LB Ulysees Gilbert III

G David DeCastro

DL Carlos Davis

I presume the addition of McFarland to the active roster against the Broncos has to do with some level of uncertainty surrounding the ankle of running back James Conner.

Conner injured his ankle last week and Benny Snell Jr. was impressive in his place. Conner was able to practice last week toward the end of the week, but given his reputation, it isn’t a bad idea of bringing McFarland in.

DeCastro misses his second game of the season and this week it will be rookie Kevin Dotson in his spot.

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