Tuesday 13 September 2016 08:10, UK
Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers' offense took charge in Washington, scoring five touchdowns to beat the Redskins 38-16.
It was a tough start for the defending NFC champions Washington Redskins as franchise tagged quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled to find any rhythm. The Redskins' offense gave away needless penalties which the Steelers capitalised on to run out comfortable 38-16 winners.
In 140 Characters...
The Steelers offense dominated a sorry looking Redskins team. Penalties cost Washington as Pittsburgh pounced on every mistake.
MVP
Ben Roethlisberger. The difference between the two quarterbacks was stark. Whilst Kirk Cousins threw in an erratic manner, Roethlisberger was consistent in moving his team down the field. Credit also to DeAngelo Williams, who ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns, deputising for Le'Veon Bell.
Game-changer
The faith in the Steelers offense paid dividends throughout the game. Instead of punting or taking field goals at fourth and one, Roethlisberger was allowed to throw the ball and twice turned adversity into touchdowns.
Stat of the Night
500 - Roethlisberger becomes the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 500 passes to three different players. The milestone came in the third quarter, Roethlisberger finding Antonio Brown for his second touchdown of the night. The other two receivers with 500+ Roethlisberger passes were Hines Ward and Heath Miller.
The Game
Both sides made sluggish starts with Cousins throwing low balls in critical drives. 3 minutes in, with Jamison Crowder open, Cousins missed him and the Redskins had to settle for a field goal. At the end of the quarter, the Redskins doubled their lead, Dustin Hopkins scoring his second field goal of the game.
Five minutes into the second quarter, the Steelers looked to have lost the ball, Antonio Brown losing control under pressure from Redskins cornerback Josh Norman. However it was ruled an incomplete pass rather than a fumble, and on 4th and 1, Roethlisberger threw 29 yards into the end zone, finding Brown for the touchdown and the lead.
As the Redskins looked to get back into the game, two penalties in two plays cost the offense 15 yards and Cousins failed to get the first down. Again Roethlisberger took advantage, marching his team down the field to the three yard line. Firing into the end zone, the ball fortuitously bounced off cornerback Baushaud Breeland and into the hands of Eli Rogers for his first NFL touchdown.
The Steelers controlled the tempo, keeping the Redskins' defense out on the field for extended periods of the game. However it was Roethlisberger's ability to capitalise on the Washington mistakes. After recovering their own fumble, Cousins threw an interception to Ryan Shazier and Roethlisberger made the possession count, finding Sammie Coates for a 42 yard gain, before again throwing 26 yards to Brown for his second TD and a 24-6 lead.
A Redskins field goal reduced the deficit to 15, before a one yard diving touchdown from Chris Thompson at the start of the fourth quarter made it a one score game. However it was running back DeAngelo Williams who restored the lead for the Steelers with a 15 yard run.
With two minutes remaining Williams got his second TD of the night. Protected by a very good offensive line, Williams cruised into the end zone from six yards out, extending the Steelers' lead to 38-16 and ending the contest.
