Steelers 34, Browns 21

Make that 96-1-1.

The score from this game is deceptive - the game wasn't that close. The Browns blocked a late field goal attempt and ran it back for a touchdown, and with less than 30 seconds left in the game they scored a slop-time touchdown. After giving up a touchdown on the initial drive - again - the Steelers shut the Browns down in every aspect of the game. It was 24-7 mid-way through the third quarter and the Browns were force-fed a healthy dose of Deuce and the Bus. Even Verron Haynes scored a touchdown after the Browns special teams' touchdown, running it in on 4th and goal from the 11. Think about that for a second - the Browns couldn't stop the Steelers' 4th string running back from scoring a touchdown on 4th and goal from the 11 yard line.

Total. Domination.

Unfortunately, Charlie Batch broke his hand at the end of the 1st half and Tommy Maddox was pressed into service for the second half. Tommy's first throw went for 3 yards and his second throw was intercepted. Fortunately, the Browns were called for cheating on the play (personal foul, face mask) so the Steelers kept the ball and got 15 free yards. Tommy missed most every throw that he threw beyond the line of scrimmage, and they weren't even close. Heath Miller is at least 6'5" yet Tommy overthrew him by a good ten feet. He missed Randel El. He missed Hines Ward, although Randel El hit Ward with a pretty 51-yard pass off of a fake end-around. Tommy did a great job of blocking on that play so maybe the Steelers should convert him to fullback where he can back up Dan Kreider.

Pray for Charlie Batch's hand to heal.

Seriously.

Fasting would be a good idea too.

Big Ben is hopeful that he'll be ready for the Indianapolis game, but between here and there we have to play a Ravens team that gave us all that we could handle a few weeks ago. Charlie Batch was lighting up the Cleveland defense in the first half (13/19, 150 yds) and would have been perfectly comfortable starting against the Ravens, but as of right now it looks like Tommy Maddox will be starting for the Steelers next Sunday.

Pray for Charlie Batch's hand to heal.

Seriously.

One incredibly good note from this game was that Hines Ward broke John Stallworth's record for career receptions with the Steelers. Prayerfully, someone will actually be able to pass the ball to Hines against the Ravens' defense.

Pray for Charlie Batch's hand to heal.

Seriously.

Week 10 Newsletter