The idiom “a knee jerk reaction” means that you respond to something in an equally unthinking way. That’s something as sports fans that we typically do, and if it’s in an unthinking way then I definitely qualify. Knee jerks apply especially if you are a full blood Yinzer, or even just a part Yinzer, who am I fooling it’s more like if you are a Steeler fan in general. As is the custom, I compile my knee-jerk thoughts and publish them immediately after each Steelers game (my son Kyle might have a few things to say as well). It’s my version of running my mouth first and apologizing later (if at all). So with that being said, it’s time to react to the Steelers Week 2 matchup against the Broncos. Let’s get this going, HERE……WE……GO!!!

1st Quarter

• Steelers to start on defense.
• The defense quickly gets the Broncos to third down and 10. Can the defense start with a three and out?
• The defense does its job and forces the three and out. Broncos to punt.
• Killebrew almost blocks the punt! Would that have been a start.
• The Steelers quickly get to a 3rd & 10 as well.
• Fields scrambles on third down, comes up two yards shy. Steelers to punt. Not much from either offense.
• Highsmith, huge 3rd down pressure! The D with two straight three and outs.
• Pickens converts the Steelers first down!
• Justin Fields escapes the pressure and runs for another first down. Love the mobility.
• Red zone offense gets a chance. How about a TD?
• Muuuth!!! First and goal Steelers.
• Can’t hold it forever.
• Third and goal now. Mt Washington!!!!! With the TD grab! That’s the mismatch we’ve been waiting the Steelers to take advantage of. Steelers 7, Broncos 0.
• Nothing of note happens prior to the end of the first quarter.

2nd Quarter

• JPJ with the pass defense. Another Broncos punt coming.
• The Steelers were backed up on their goal line, but two quick runs gains them a first down. Good blocking up front.
• George Pickens continues to do George Pickens things.
• Broderick Jones picks up his second penalty of this drive. Not good.
• Broderick Jones gets nailed again for holding. Too bad, because Fields threw a nice pass to Pickens.
• No way to expect the Steelers to end up with the first down after having a second down in 28. We may have seen the last of Broderick Jones today.
• Watt!!!!! Sack!!!
• Broncos going for it on 4th and 7. Batted down by Patrick Queen!
• Fields has all day to throw but can’t find anybody. And ends up being sacked.
• Steelers convert a third down. They’re going to have a chance to get some points here before the half.
• Van Jefferson draws a DPI. Three points should be a foregone conclusion, now the question is can the Steelers get seven.
• A George Pickens touchdown is taken away by an offensive pass interference call on Van Jefferson.
• Boswell on for the field goal attempt. It’s good and the Steelers grab a 10-0 halftime lead. The Steelers will also receive the ball to start the second half.

3rd Quarter

• After achieving one first down, the Steelers do not gain another yard and will punt. Fields was facing a lot of pressure on that series.
• Elliott with a TFL on 3rd and 1! Steelers get it back.
• The offense goes three and out. That was not a real good offensive possession. The plays just didn’t seem to happen. Was a little ugly.
• Steelers give up a third and long conversion.
• Steelers get fooled on the next play with a trick play. Those things should not happen to an elite defense.
• Cory Trice with an interception in the end zone! Trice had just entered the game for an injured Donte Jackson. That’s how you come into the game and make an impact.
• Pickens draws a deep DPI on the first play.
• Boswell comes on and knocks through a 53 yard field goal. Steelers 13, Broncos 0.
• Steelers hold the Broncos to a three and out. Is Matt Canada the new offensive coordinator in Denver?
• A second straight offensive series that I’m not real thrilled with the play calls. A holding penalty didn’t help either.
• Both teams have been very slow and methodical. It’s really not been much to talk about with this game.
• End of the third quarter. Steelers 13, Broncos 0.

4th Quarter

• Nick Herbig draws an easy holding call against the Broncos.
• Broncos are faced with the 4th & 6 and are going for it. If they do not convert that might be the ball game.
• Steelers blitz and leave a receiver wide open to convert.
• Loudermilk batted down the third down pass. This time the Broncos will go for the field goal on 4th & 6. Steelers 13, Broncos 3.
• Time for the offense to put an actual drive together here in the second half.
• The Steelers converted on a third down, but another holding penalty brings it back. How many holding penalties can this offensive line have in a day? I am looking at that replay and that is a ticky-tack holding call.
• The offense goes three and out.
• Dirty Red with a big hit on the punt return.
• This flag better be a block in the back as Highsmith was shoved from behind.
• They keep throwing flags on JPJ and the replays are not showing that flag should be thrown.
• Now they flagged Highsmith for being in the neutral zone when the offensive lineman flinched. The this officiating crew is getting out of hand.
• T.J. Watt takes the next two plays into his own hands.
• Can the offense do anything now?
• I cannot believe it took that long for the flag to come out for the hit to the head on Calvin Austin.
• The announcer on CBS needs to suck it right now because he said that shouldn’t have been a penalty. That is a penalty all day everywhere in this league right now.
• At least Gene Steratore  knew what to say and got it right.
• Fields was not ready for the third down snap. That could have been disaster if it wasn’t for Jaylen Warren.
• Beanie Bishop cannot miss tackles like that and expect to stay in the lineup.
• The defense is just giving up too many yards too quickly.
• We’ve reached the two minute warning and the Broncos will be facing a 4th & 5.
• Broncos attempt to field goal. Steelers 13, Broncos 6. On side kick coming I would guess.
• There was no one side kick.
• How about a roll out option pass run here for Fields?
• Instead it was a predictable run right up the middle.
• Steelers will now face a 3rd & 4.
• I like the idea of the option run even though it did not gain the first down. Steelers will punt with under 20 seconds to go.
• Great punt by Waitman there.
• Kazee intercepts the last play of the game. Steelers win. Steelers 13, Broncos 6.
• Steelers start 2-0 for the first time since 2020.

Once again, I just fired off what was going through my head at the time. All reactions were in real time. Basically, it is the equivalent of watching the game with a me and Kyle, you just don’t have to go to another room because of my screaming at the television (sometimes Kyle leaves the room). Now time to process it, some quick analyzing for the Scho Bro Show, and then put it behind me so I can ready myself for the Week 3 matchup at home against the Chargers. Make sure you get your voice heard in the comments below.