First Post

Hi to everyone reading this blog! I’m Dani. I’m a student at the University of Pittsburgh and I am an aspiring sports broadcaster. Ever since I can remember I have loved sports, so I guess you could pretty much call me a fanatic. As I graduated high school though, I realized I would have to leave my childhood dreams of becoming a professional athlete behind. Let’s face it; in order to make it to the top today, you’ve got to be the most elite. Only the fastest, strongest, and fittest survive. As a nineteen-year-old female of average height, weight, and speed I don’t think I would bring much to the table of collegiate or professional sports. I decided to continue to put my love and passion of sports forward and continue with hopes of becoming a professional sports journalist.

I find that there is nothing better than watching football, especially when I can watch my favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Mobile and ESPN have both reported that the Steelers should have a slight advantage in today’s game. Today is a home game for the Stillers, so let’s hope they can convert the conference game into a big win.

Although the Steelers were off to a weak start and couldn’t convert on their first set of downs, they quickly recovered on defense. The first play the Bengals had however was the longest pass play allowed by defense all year by Pittsburgh. Fans in the stadium did not look pleased. Here was a game the Steelers had a slight edge they were predicted to win by, and the first few plays were sloppy. Luckily, they recovered fast. Cinnci was not able to convert their TD play because of a false start call. Thanks to Troy, the repeat of 3^rd down was not completed yet again. The first attempt for a field goal was called back due to another penalty: delay of game. The next attempt was BLOCKED!!! by Rookie first rounder out of OSU, Cameron Heyward. Whether it was luck or skill, the Steelers got saved early in the game. Hopefully they can make the best of the exciting takeaway that is sure to make SportsCenter’s top ten plays.

Just as the first quarter is winding to a close, Big Ben finds wide receiver Antonio Brown for a 45-yard completion. The first quarter ends 0-0, but the second quarter looked promising for the Steelers as they finally made it into the Redzone on the Bengals 15. And it’s a Touchdownnnn for the STEELERS! Mendenhall ran the ball at the 3-yard line. The extra point was good, so its time to squirt those Ketchup bottles in Heinz field ladies and gentleman.

Finally. The Steelers are starting to look like they can handle this matchup. With an 87 yard drive, Ben went 3/3 on completions and the running game looked like that of the times of Jerome Bettis; forceful and unstoppable. Once again, the Steelers should be able to make the best of this situation given the 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter, just as Hood sacks the Bengals and forces a punt.

Thanks to a pass interface against the Bengals, the Steelers were able to advance 45 yards once again to the Redzone. TOUCHDOWN! Second down, Mendenhall’s second TD of the day. With just about ten minutes left in the half, Steelers take a very promising lead of 14-0. The yellow sea of terrible towels is waving all throughout Heinz Field. 

AND THEY FORCE A FUMBLE ON THE KICK RETURN. Sorry for the all caps everyone, I just tend to get a little over excited as I watch. Sanders recovers the football and the Steelers take over. After 3 short plays, Ben hooked up with Wallace for another Touchdown. 21-0 and nothing is getting is going to stop the Steelers now. They are on fire.

With 5 minutes left in the half, the Bengals made it into the Redzone after a third down completion. Touchdown Bengals, with the reception by receiver AJ Green. Wide open. Where was the defense on that play? We had been present and had held them off this far, but with4 minutes left in the half and the score is 21-7 Steelers.

Great, the momentum is switching. Just as we get the ball back we’re sacked. Halftime is coming up and an inspirational speech from head coach Mike Tomlin is much needed. That, or make them feel like shit for their play. Either way, they need to shape up and continue to play the way they were the beginning of the second quarter.

BUT WAIT. WHAT’S THIS!?!? ANTONIO BROWN RETURNS A PUNT AT THE END OF THE HALF FOR A TOUCHDOWN! With the score 28-7 it is finally halftime.

Unfortunately, I did not get to watch the second half of the game but I was extremely excited to see my boys in Black and Gold bring home another win for the Steel City, especially a win within the same conference. I was a proud fan today, wearing my Steelers jersey all day, waving my terrible towel, and even as I get into bedtime mode, I put on my oversized Steelers shirt. It is truly a great day to be a Steelers fan.