Steel Curtain returns at Soldier Field
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- After losing the first game of the season on a last minute field goal the defending Super Bowl champs looked to get back on track in this Sunday night game. The name of the game throughout the contest was defense. “We just played Steeler football. All of our players know their roles and we just were able to execute when we needed to tonight. I know people like to see shootouts, but defense wins championships.” Said Big Ben after his defense held the Chicago Bears to a total of 88 offensive yards and no scores. Veteran linebacker James Farrior had 2 Interceptions, giving him 4 total for this season.
In the first half it seemed like no one could hold onto the football, with 4 total fumbles, 3 by backs and one on a kickoff return. Instead of breakout second year player Matt Forte being the difference maker, it turned out veteran “Fast” Willie Parker was indeed the catapult for Pittsburghs offense.
Parker managed to score early on with a 44 yd TD scamper in the first quarter, a 94 yd screen pass from Big Ben in the 2nd, and finally on a 5 yd reception in the 4th. “After last year, everyone thinks of us as a pass first team. Hopefully tonight shows that we still have a potent ground game. When your O-line provides the blocking, you just have to take advantage and find those holes in the defense” And find those holes he did – Parker ended the game with 239 all purpose yards.
When asked about the Bears new look coach Mike Tomlin had this to say “With a new QB to the system, obviously it’s going to take some time for everyone to get on the same page. If he can do the things he did in Denver they will be just fine. We were just the better team tonight”
Key Player stats:
Ben Roethlisburger: 9/10 168 yards 2 TDs/0 INTs
Jay Cutler: 11/24 110 yards 0TD/3 INTs
Willie Parker: 120 yards rushing / 119 yards receiving 3 TDs
Matt Forte: 4 yards rushing / 21 yards receiving
Greg Olson: 41 yards receiving