Steelers and their immortal QB escape Browns, 14-3

Classic Big Ben!  After suffering a high-ankle sprain (and perhaps, worse) in the second quarter, to go along with the broken thumb on his throwing hand, Big Ben returned to the field in the third quarter and finished the game hopping on one foot and leading the Steelers to a critical win against a divisional foe.  This is what Steeler Nation has come to expect from its indestructible QB--whether its a broken nose, concussion, cracked ribs, broken toes, broken feet, or a partridge in his pear tree--Big Ben does not yield to injuries or adversity.  Roethlisberer finished the game 16 of 21 for 280 yards and 2 TDs . . . . damn! Although, the East Coast Media will never acknowledge Ben as an elite QB (like pretty boys Tony Romo or Joey Flacco), all I can say is Joey Flacco plays with one eyebrow, while Big Ben plays with one leg and one arm tied behind his back.

Ouch!

Just as the Steeler Face predicted tonight's contest showcased big-defense (as the Steelers tallied 3 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble) and was low scoring.  However, as Steeler fans always expect, it was still not easy.

Cleveland took the opening possession and drove down to the Steelers 5-yard line for 1st and goal.  However, the Browns were later stopped inches short of the goal line, and then Larry Foote stuffed the Madden 2012 cover-boy to complete the goal line stand as the Browns had to settle for a field goal and a 3-0 lead.

After Big Ben threw his first TD pass, an 11-yard strike to Jericho Cotchery on the Steelers first possession to make it 7-3, the Steelers' frustration list started to grow:

• Hines Ward fumbled on the Browns 15-yard line after Pittsburgh had driven into Cleveland territory on what promised to be a scoring drive. 
• Heath Miller fumbled on the Browns 6-yard line after a Polamalu interception gave the Steelers a gift possession near the goal line.
• Penaltyfest: The Steelers were flagged 12,567 times for 97,534 yards during the game, which nullified many a great play (including an interception by Mundy that would have sealed the game much sooner for Pittsburgh).
• Two receptions (one a spectacular touchdown catch by Mike Wallace) were overturned, although the ruling on the field was "a catch" and the video replay was "inconclusive" at best.
• After the Wallace TD was unfairly called back, Mike Tomlin compounded the problem by going-for-it on 4th and goal as Mendenhall was predictably stuffed on the goal line.  A chip-shot field goal would have given the weary Steelers a 7-point lead in the fourth quarter when their quarterback was hopping around on one foot and playing with a broken thumb on his throwing hand.
• Did I mention that Big Ben played with one leg AND a broken thumb ON HIS THROWING HAND?

By the way, the Steeler o-line deserves some props.  Big Ben was only sacked once (the injury inducing sack).  Ben's surprising protection was primarily due to the fact that Chris Kemeoatu held onto Browns like they were dreams of winning the lottery--but kudos to Kemo--he did what needed to be done to protect his franchise QB.

The game remained a 7-3 crapfest until William Gay intercept Colt (yes that's really his name; and yes, he's from Texas) McCoy in the endzone with 3:11 to play to preserve the narrow lead.  Then Big Ben threw a 12-yard pass to Antonio Brown, who zigged and zagged for a 79 yard touchdown pass play that sealed the win.

The Steelers (10-3) have now won 8 of last their last 9 (the lone loss a last second decision, 20-23 against Baltimore).  Steeler Nation will have 10 days to savor this one, although, Baltimore will reclaim first place after they beat the 0-12 Indianapolis Colts (not Colt McCoy) at home on Sunday.  The Steelers don't play again until Monday Night on December 19 when they travel to San Francisco (10-2).  Pittsburgh then comes home to play St. Louis before finishing out the regular season in Cleveland.  Meanwhile, the Ravens have the Colts (not McCoy), San Diego, Cleveland and Cincy.  The Steelers could win-out and still be playing as a Wild Card team, but here's to hoping that Baltimore slips and gives Pittsburgh a chance to win the division.  Here we go Steelers, here we go!