Week 15 of the NFL season concluded with the highly anticipated Monday Night Football showdown between two division leaders – the Pittsburg Steelers and San Francisco 49ers. The game in San Francisco started with a bang…literally.
Out Go The Lights
Prior to the game starting, 49ers tickets holders were surprised when the lights in the stadium area literally went out. The problem was the explosion of a transponder in the electrical system. In a moment of good fortune, the blimp covering the game actually got a picture of the transponder exploding in a blue flame. Fortunately, the delay was only 20 minutes until… again 49ers tickets holders were shocked that the lights went out for a second time in the second quarter of the game. Ah, but let’s get to the game first.
First Quarter
Many people wonder if the 49ers are a one year wonder or the real deal. After the first quarter against the Steelers, the verdict seemed to be “the real deal.” The game started off with the Steelers moving the ball down the field only for an immobile Ben Roethlisberger to throw a brutal interception in the end zone. The 49ers offense came on the field and proceeded to give the Steelers defense a mauling like they have not received in a long time. The 49ers ran 17 plays and burned 7 minutes off the clock before settling for a field goal. The Steelers responded with…another Roethlisberger interception on an overthrown pass down the middle. All looked good for the start of this match-up as the 49ers went 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. I’m sure the people that bought 49ers tickets for this game were happy that their team started ahead.
Second Quarter
The second quarter saw the 49ers take the interception and stroll down the field with nary a care. Again, they could not score a touchdown and had to settle for a field goal. Then, with a 6-0 lead, the stadium shocked 49ers tickets holders again by going dark once more. The delay was only 16 minutes, but it seemed to short circuit both teams. Neither offense could really get rolling and the half ended with no further scoring.
Third Quarter
The third quarter of the game saw the Steelers finally start to generate some consistent offense. Their second drive resulted in a 52 yard field goal. The 49ers, however, responded immediately with a 79 yard drive that ended with a Vernon Davis 1-yard touchdown reception. The Steelers tried to respond by driving to the 49ers’ 30 yard line, but the response fizzled when they missed a field goal. The quarter would end with the 49ers up 13-3.
Fourth Quarter
To put it simply, the Steelers fell apart in the fourth quarter. The primary problem was the immobility of Ben Roethlisberger due to his ankle injury. If he wasn’t being sacked, he was being knocked to the ground. The beating would lead to another interception and fumble on his part. The 49ers would capitalize on the fumble with a touchdown that would finish off the game 20-3 – a score that disappointed Steelers fans and ignited cheers from 49ers tickets holders.
Summary
While the 49ers were the team most people questioned heading into the game, the focus is now squarely on the Steelers afterwards. Pittsburg is in deep trouble if Roethlisberger cannot move around on his injured ankle because the offensive line doesn’t block well on passing downs. With the playoffs only two weeks away, it looks doubtful at best that Big Ben will be able to recover enough to drive the Steelers through the playoffs. By losing, the team already has given first place back to the Baltimore Ravens and one can’t imagine the Ravens giving it up again.
As for the 49ers, they are a great defensive team. The offense is pedestrian at best, but the defense is so good that it might be enough to get through a round of the playoffs. Can this team beat either the Packers or Saints? I doubt it, but one never knows with the magic Jim Harbaugh is spinning in San Francisco. If nothing else, it is good to see one of the important franchises in the league return to a high level of play. Be sure to buy your 49ers tickets now to ensure your seat to a playoff bout.
