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 Preseason Week Two game against the Bills. Let’s get this going, HERE……WE……GO!!!

1st Quarter

• I love getting Bob Pompiani and Charlie Batch on the call, but will be looking forward to not having them because then I know the real season has begun.
• Time to wrap up my preseason and try to get this story into more rounded regular season form.
• I am not so worried about what I see defensively from the Steelers today. All my question marks going into the season are on the offensive side of the football.
• Heyward, Watt and Highsmith will sit this one out.
• Steelers receive the opening kickoff, and due to this new landing zone rule that I don’t understand the Steelers start with a ball on the 40-yard line.
• The starting offense really needs to get things going here and put the ball in the touchdown zone.
• What does the offense do? Quickly faces a 3rd & 11.
• Pickens makes the wide open catch along the sideline for a first down. There was nice protection for Russell Wilson on that play.
• Cordarrelle Patterson goes up the middle and scores the touchdown for the Steelers. There was a huge hole for him to go through on the left side. Nice blocks by Frazier and Seumalo on that play.
• Bos knocks through the extra point and the Steelers lead 7 to 0.
• Nick Herbig gets another sack this preseason. His preseason has been very noticeable in a good way.
• Benton and Larry O. with a sack on the next play. Liking what I’m seeing along the front of the defensive line right now.
• And the very next play Herbig with a strip sack. Steelers recover. The defensive front seven was dominant.
• Nice pass down the field by Fields, but what I noticed on that play was Seumalo pulling out to block on the right side of the line on a pass play. Very interesting.
• Perine gets in from the one on an easy score. Another really nice drive. With the extra point Steelers 14, Lions 0.
• Danny Smith is probably chomping on his gum pretty hard after that long kickoff return out past the 45.
• Leal with big penetration, and Trice cleaned it up on that run.
• The defense forces a three and out.
• That was ugly on third down. The Steelers were going on a silent count and there was a miscommunication on the snap. Steelers punt.
• Trice with another nice play on that quick wide receiver screen.
• Not sure who’s getting credit for the swarm of Steelers that just sacked the quarterback.
• End of the first quarter. Steelers 14, Lions 0.

2nd Quarter

• The defense holds and the Lions punt.
• After one a first down catch followed by a first down run, Fields gets sacked on third down. No time and nowhere to go. A promising drive quickly fizzled.
• Welschof with his second sack of the day forces a punt. He has been very active along the defensive line today.
• Spencer Anderson barely laid a finger on that guy he let record the sack. That was not a good play.
• Steelers go three and out.
• Now the Lions have a pretty good sustained drive going. Not that the defense has played bad, but they have given up small chunks of yardage.
• Another first down run for the Lions. They are now nearing the red zone.
• The blitzer misses the sack and the quarterback runs it down to the 3-yard line. You have to make that tackle.
• The running back was wide open for that touchdown. Was not real impressed with the defense on that drive. Steelers 14, Lions 7.
• Strip sack on the Steelers and the Lions recover. Now the Lions have a short field to try to tie the game up. Again Allen had no time to set up to even try to make the pass.
• One play and the Lions are back in the red zone.
• These reserves for the Steelers aren’t looking like they want to make this team. They are not playing very inspired football.
• Lions now have a first and goal. As great as this game was looking for the Steelers they are letting the lead slip away.
• An easy touchdown run for the Lions. They tie the game up right at the end of the half. Steelers 14, Lions 14.

3rd Quarter

• Lions received the ball to start the second half.
• The Lions have managed a couple of first downs. The Steelers backups just can’t seem to get off the field on defense.
• The defense gets to third down, the Lions botched the snap but still manage to run for a first down.
• The Lions are just lining up and running it down the Steelers throat right now.
• Lions forced into a fourth down field goal try. The kicker misses right. That was a long time to hold the ball to not get any points for the Lions.
• Dez Fitzpatrick with a nice catch and run on third down. That one gains nearly 60 yards. He is making his point to get onto this team.
• Steelers now in the red zone.
• I don’t like that first down run play out of shotgun for the Steelers. It looked very Matt Canada predictable.
• Drive stalls and Matthew Wright comes on to attempt to field goal. It’s good. Steelers 17, Lions 14.
• Can Sutton with an interception!!! A block in the back during the return cost the Steelers 10 yards, but they do keep the ball.
• The Steelers offense turns right around and loses 4 yards on first down. Talk about a momentum killer.
• The Steelers end up going three and out. And punt it back.
• End of the third. Steelers 17, Lions 14.

4th Quarter

• Lions back in the red zone again. The Steelers are getting killed by the quarterback running the ball.
• Now a first and goal.
• There was no resistance at all from the defense on that run. The Lions score a touchdown. Lions 21, Steelers 17.
• Plumlee gets a nice return on the kickoff out towards midfield.
• Plumlee now in a quarterback for the Steelers.
• Steelers a little short on the third down run, but we’ll go for it on 4th down.
• Well, we never get to see what happens as the Steelers get a false start. They will now punt the ball. That was disappointing.
• I wish the Steelers reserve defenders could play better.
• The defense eventually holds thanks to a dropped touchdown by the Lions. Lions connect on a field goal to expand the lead. Lions 24, Steelers 17.
• Steelers face a fourth and three and we’ll go for it.
• The Steelers complete a long pass, but had an ineligible receiver downfield. The penalties have really hurt the Steelers today.
• Steelers now face a 4th & 8. And the Steelers get yet another penalty for a false start.
• Now it’s 4th & 13 and the Steelers will punt.
• The Steelers give up 13 yards on the pass on first down. That will probably end the game.
• Another first down for the Lions and they can now just take a couple knees if they want.
• Seeing an injury on the final play of a meaningless game sucks. Luckily Ryan Watts is up and walking.
• The Steelers manage a very disappointing 0-3 preseason. Luckily for them these are the games that do not count.
• Final score Lions 24, Steelers 17.

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 as we move on but have to now wait two weeks until the season opener in Atlanta. Make sure you get your voice heard in the comments below.