Things turned into a shootout thanks to poor defense and the Steelers got the best of the Raiders while injuries hit the roster in a time when Oakland can not afford them. After a monster 2014, expectations were sky-high for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell for 2015.
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“I’m encouraged because he’s an established, capable guy, a guy we know can deliver”, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin said about Williams. “We’re just focused on the guys who are and how we can put together the right mix to be successful, how we can utilize their skills, how we can work to minimize their weaknesses individually and collectively”.
“Brown’s 23 targets are T-3rd most targets in a single game since 1991 (as far as STATS can check)”.
On a third down with overtime looming, Antonio Brown continued to make his mark on the game, taking a short pass all the way into Raiders territory.
“Ben is a franchise quarterback and I’m looking forward to seeing how he is feeling and checking in on him”, said Brown. The Raiders host the Minnesota Vikings next week, and both Bridgewater and Murray will have to clear the concussion protocol if they want to play against one another. He successfully converted two goal-line totes for two touchdowns and hauled in 97 yards through the air to buoy a huge fantasy outing that would have earned him MVP honors in most weeks, save for Williams’ heroics. Carr threw one interception in the Steelers end zone in the fourth quarter that snuffed out a drive, and a fumble by Taiwan Jones on a kickoff return gave Pittsburgh the ball at the Raiders’ 6, setting up a Steelers touchdown.
The Raiders came back from a 35-21 deficit to tie the score on wide receiver Michael Crabtree’s 15-yard touchdown catch over linebacker Lawrence Timmons with 1:15 remaining.
The loss snapped a two-game winning streak by the Raiders (4-4) and could prove detrimental to their hopes of getting to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. “We made a lot of plays”, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. “We expect there not to be a dropoff and we’re praying for Ben to get back healthy”. “We had a great opportunity”.
Lost in the craziness of Pittsburgh’s current predicament: Second-year Oakland quarterback Derek Carr threw for four touchdowns for the second straight game. That ended what could have been the game-tying drive and negated the possible transformative effect of the Raiders’ next drive, when Carr did connect with Michael Crabtree on a pretty pass for a 14-yard score to tie the game with 1:15 left.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper and tight end Clive Walford also had touchdown receptions and fullback Jamize Olawale added a touchdown run.
Roethlisberger limped off the field with just under eight minutes left after being sacked by defensive end Aldon Smith.
Oakland (4-4) allowed a franchise-record 597 yards to the Steelers (5-4), and Brown caught 17 passes for 284 yards, including a 57-yard catch-and-run in the final minute to set up Chris Boswell’s winning 18-yard field goal with two seconds left. Most will turn to Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and DeAngelo Wiliams as the genuine difference makers in this game, but the defense had to stand up and make plays when it counted too.
“If Vick goes down, then Tim Tebow could help the Steelers running game because a running quarterback actually helps open lanes for running backs”.
Roethlisberger threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns before leaving in the fourth quarter with a left foot injury. He’ll reportedly miss “a few weeks” with a mid-foot sprain. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Pittsburgh QB is expected to miss a few game action.
Roethlisberger completed 24 of 44 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Roethlisberger also moved into 14th place on the NFL’s career passing yardage list, passing Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana while raising his total to 40,566. The big play to Brown converted a third-and-2 and delivered the heartbreaking loss to Oakland.
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-WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (left knee) left in the second quarter and did not return. He had no receptions Sunday and has 17 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns this season.
