The Pittsburgh Steelers continued the storyline from their 2008 championship season; an opportunistic and physical defense that gives Ben Roethlisberger the chance to win. In a game dominated by untimely penalties, floundering offenses and turnovers galore, the Steelers needed not one but two game-winning drives to eventually secure the win in overtime, 13-10.
Steelers Win In Overtime; Polamalu’s Status Uncertain
The big story from the game will center on Troy Polamalu’s injured knee and his status for next week and beyond. A one man wrecking crew in the first quarter (six tackles and a leaping interception), Polamalu was injured while fighting for a loose ball after a blocked field goal. Polamalu immediately received treatment on the sidelines after his knee was rolled up on, eventually disappearing into the Steelers’ locker room just before halftime before being ruled out for the remainder of the game.
It was a hard-fought, physical battle all night and one that Tennessee will feel got away from them. With the Steelers offense struggling early on, the Titans moved the ball against the vaunted defense yet came away pointless when missed field goals and an interception negated the long drives the Titans were able to put together. With the game tied nearing the end of regulation and the Steelers marching down the field, Titans’ safety Michael Griffen stripped the ball from Hines Ward from behind, giving the ball back to Tennessee with 51 seconds remaining. Jeff Fisher opted not to go for the win, letting the clock run out and put his fate in the coin toss. Pittsburgh scored on the first drive of overtime.
Dawgs By Nature makes sure we won’t forget the reaction by Hines Ward on the sideline following his fumble:
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