Yannis' Sports Journal

Sure Pittburgh's offense isn't at the level it was at last year, but the defense sure is. Miami managed to get the lead in the third quarter, but it was winning time in the fourth, and Pittsburgh's D sealed a week 1 victory with two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Charlie Batch and Heath Miller also hooked up for an 87 yard touchdown pass as the Steelers marched on to win 28-17.

Daunte Culpepper, the worst quarterback in DaKillerKoutroupises(My fantasy team) history, had his usual disappointing performance tonight. He threw 18-37 for 262 yards, but had no touchdowns to go along with his two 4th quarter interceptions. He also got sacked two times in the fourth. Daunte shouldn't have anywhere near as bad of a year as he did last year, but Pittsburgh's D was just too much for him this week.

Ronnie Brown, who many people have high hopes for this year, had as much luck against the Steelers D as Daunte did. He managed to get two touchdowns, but had 30 yards on 15 touches, for a whopping two yards a carry. Maurice Claurett is sitting in a prison cell somewhere saying "I could run for two yards a carry against Pittsburgh, as long as I had my grey goose.".

When your quarterback struggles and you're a receiver, you usually do too. Chris Chambers and Randy McMichaels both had extremely quiet nights as Daunte was getting eaten alive.

Despite that ridiculous fumble in the red zone, Charlie Batch was extremely impressive tonight. He threw 15-25 for 209 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Ben Roethlisberger can get another weeks rest if he needs to knowing that the team is in good hands. Charlie is a smart, veteran guy who is going to go out there and get the job done. The fumble was uncharacteristic of the player he is, and he'll show that if he does need to go out there and give Ben another week off.

Willie Parker had a big night yards wise with 122 yards, but didn't have any touchdowns. After a slow start he really got going and with his speed Miami just had a tough time stopping him. Still waiting to see him get those goalline touches though.

Hines Ward, Mr. Consistent, came out with no preseason games, a less than 100% hamstring, and caught 5 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown along with his always reliable blocking. Once Big Ben gets into the feel of things his numbers should really go up, as he'll be the go to guy in an offense that will throw more than it has in the past. But as long as Batch is running the show the offense will be more running based, hence the 29 rushing attempts for Willie.

Nate Washington, the two year wide-out from Tiffin University, had a very solid game today with two receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.

But when it all came down to it, Pittsburgh's trademark D closed the win for them. Two interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble in the fourth led to a week one loss for Maimi. Miami will have Buffalo at home next Sunday, while Pittsburgh goes to Jacksonville for Monday Night football.

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