Steelers vs Seahawks Week 2 Recap – Defensive Dominance

The Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't be more opposite in their overall models. While the Seahawks have a new coach, new quarterback, and new play calling schemes, the Steelers have been a beacon of stability and longevity. This was the first time these two franchises have met since Super Bowl XL (which marked a 21-10 Steeler victory). Seattle was coming off a big loss to division foe San Francisco, while the Steelers were looking to rebound from their surprising destruction at the hands of the Ravens.

Seattle 's lone bright spot came on the games opening drive. Pittsburgh opened up as a house of fire, with running back Rashard Mendenall spinning his way to a few solid runs, and a Big

Ben deep-ball resulting in a pass interference, landing the Steelers on the Seattle 1 yard line.

Though Seattle was able to hold the Steelers out of the end zone on four consecutive tries, it would be the final reason for Seahawk fans to cheer for the rest of the contest. Mendenhall bounced back and scored on the next possession from one yard out, on his way to a solid 66 yard day.

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Backup and short yardage RB Issac Redman also had one of his best days as a Steeler, scoring on a twenty yard scamper on the next Steeler possession. He also had several broken tackles throughout the day, leading to a nice contribution with the Pittsburgh ground attack. Seattle looked totally anemic on offense all day. The absence of newly acquired WR Sidney Rice was evident, and the usual Seahawks leading receiver was non-existent (Mike Williams had only one catch). On the other side, the Steelers receivers looked quick and unguardable. Ward, Sanders and TE Heath Miller all made drive-extending catches early, while speedsters Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace led the way. Roethlisberger came out in the third quarter after surviving a scare, (a knee injury after a hit that caused him to miss two plays near the end of the first half) and connected on a 2 yard touchdown to Wallace, who went over 100 yards receiving yet again.

Pittsburgh then went up 24-0, and never looked back. They controlled the game in every aspect, nearly doubling up the Seahawks in time of possession and outgaining them in total yards 421-164. Ben and the offense committed zero turnovers, as opposed to the 7 they had the week prior. Seattle tried for a score late in the 4th quarter, but three of the five Steeler sacks halted the effort. Seattle now has to try and rebound from a rough 0-2 start, while the Steelers look to continue the onslaught shown here in typical Steeler football.

By Jason Burke
Pro Football Fans Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent