Let me start by saying: YOI!!! While it may not seem that spectacular to be celebrating a win on a 1-4 start to the season, it DID feel great to be in attendance for the Steelers' first win, as well as eliminating that big, old goose egg. This was a fun one at the Meadowlands and there was a LOT of Black & Gold in the tailgate lot and the stands. Before we get to that, let's check out some Game Bites:
Game Bites
Pittsburgh at New York Jets
The first win of the season came today complete with two interceptions (also the first of the season), three sacks, and a somersaulting TD by Emmanuel Sanders - not to mention Suisham going 5 for 5, including 45 and 48 yarders. HERE WE GO!
First Quarter: Steelers start the game with the ball, but go three and out.
Jets make their way into the red zone and turn a 4 and 1 into 4 and 6 with a delay of game and 3:38 remaining in the first quarter. FG attempt is good, 3-0, NYJ.
Jets make their way into the red zone and turn a 4 and 1 into 4 and 6 with a delay of game and 3:38 remaining in the first quarter. FG attempt is good, 3-0, NYJ.
Second Quarter: Pittsburgh comes back from the Jets' first quarter FG with a Suisham 45-yd attempt, tying it up at 3-3.
Jets' ball, Geno Smith SACKED on third down to bring up 4 and 18 (towels a-flyin'!).
"Heeeeeeeaaaaaathhhh" can be heard loud and clear at MetLife, Pittsburgh Steelers first down.
Steelers continue to drive down field (big play with Brown pass to Felix Jones!) and come up with another Suisham FG, 6-3, PIT.
Geno sacked again to bring up 4 and 12 on Jets' next drive.
Brown pulls out a big first down on 3 and 10 just before the 2 minute warning. A myriad of penalty flags get thrown, retracted and thrown again. Suisham tags on one more FG (a 48-yarder) before the half...
Jets' ball, Geno Smith SACKED on third down to bring up 4 and 18 (towels a-flyin'!).
"Heeeeeeeaaaaaathhhh" can be heard loud and clear at MetLife, Pittsburgh Steelers first down.
Steelers continue to drive down field (big play with Brown pass to Felix Jones!) and come up with another Suisham FG, 6-3, PIT.
Geno sacked again to bring up 4 and 12 on Jets' next drive.
Brown pulls out a big first down on 3 and 10 just before the 2 minute warning. A myriad of penalty flags get thrown, retracted and thrown again. Suisham tags on one more FG (a 48-yarder) before the half...
Score at the Half: 9-3, PIT
Third Quarter: Jets three and out on the first drive.
Huge flipping (literally, somersaulting) TD by Emmanuel Sanders!!! Towels are flyin' again in the face of Gang Green. 16-6, PIT.
Ryan Clark picks up the first Steelers' takeaway of the season with a Geno Smith interception! Steelers fail to capitalize on the turnover, but the momentum is moving in the right direction.
Heeeeeath first down before the end of the quarter.
Huge flipping (literally, somersaulting) TD by Emmanuel Sanders!!! Towels are flyin' again in the face of Gang Green. 16-6, PIT.
Ryan Clark picks up the first Steelers' takeaway of the season with a Geno Smith interception! Steelers fail to capitalize on the turnover, but the momentum is moving in the right direction.
Heeeeeath first down before the end of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Big Ben runs the ball down to the two yard line to bring up first and goal! Holding call pulls them back to 2 and 14...
Steelers attempt the Brown to Jones trick play again with no luck. Another Suisham FG, 19-6, PIT.
Jets' drive, Ryan Clark nearly intercepts again on 3 and 20, bringing up 4 and 20 to punt away.
On Jets' next drive, Geno Smith gets sacked for the third time in the game (Hood). Jarvis Jones puts pressure on Smith, then Timmons comes up with second interception of the game (and season), effectively ending the game, even before the 2 minute warning. Jets fans head for the exits, Steelers fans wave their towels!!
Steelers attempt the Brown to Jones trick play again with no luck. Another Suisham FG, 19-6, PIT.
Jets' drive, Ryan Clark nearly intercepts again on 3 and 20, bringing up 4 and 20 to punt away.
On Jets' next drive, Geno Smith gets sacked for the third time in the game (Hood). Jarvis Jones puts pressure on Smith, then Timmons comes up with second interception of the game (and season), effectively ending the game, even before the 2 minute warning. Jets fans head for the exits, Steelers fans wave their towels!!
Final Score: 19-6, PIT
Let's talk Franco's Italian Army!!!
The video below really tells it all. The Pittsburgh fans are unrivaled in creativity and dedication, win or lose. It was out of that spirit that the Italian Army - Franco Harris' Italian Army - of fans was born in the 1970s.
The video below really tells it all. The Pittsburgh fans are unrivaled in creativity and dedication, win or lose. It was out of that spirit that the Italian Army - Franco Harris' Italian Army - of fans was born in the 1970s.
Tailgate master, $Bill, cooked up the Italian Sausages while I helped to assemble the sandwiches and feed the troops.
Gotta love the tailgate hat. Little known fact: $Bill brings a duffle bag to the tailgate that contains three different hats and his trusty Terrible Towel. I stole one of the hats for good luck today.
Boyds know how to tailgate.
Check 'aht that grill!
I assembled two Franco's Italian Sausage Sandwiches for $Bill - big thumbs up.
We made some away game friends too! Our tailgate neighbors had a nice set-up, complete with Steelmark spatula...
and an inflatable linebacker!!
This guy had my favorite gear of the day - Steelers poncho!
Three out of four Boyd kids bringing home a win.
Of course I wore my Franco Harris jersey for the occasion and Ben borrowed my Zubaz (of Black and Gold Zubaz Pudding Pop fame).
MMM-HA AND DOUBLE YOI!!
Franco's Italian Sausage Sandwiches
A Stiller Nation Snacks N'at Original
4-6 sweet and/or hot Italian sausages
4-6 sandwich rolls
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 12 oz jar roasted red peppers
12 oz Mozzerella, shredded
6-8 leaves fresh basil
Light gas or charcoal grill. Place peppers and onions in a grill basket or wrap in aluminum foil and place on grill as you cook sausages. Cook sausages about 6-8 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through. Assemble sandwiches on rolls and top with mozzarella and basil.
