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 17 matchup against the Seahawks. Let’s get this going, HERE……WE……GO!!!

1st Quarter

• Seahawks win the toss and defer. Steelers offense will start on the field.
• Steelers quickly to a third down and five.
• Diontae Johnson makes the catching converts for the Steelers first first down of the game.
• Steelers again with a third down and five. This time they do not convert.
• Steelers thinking about going for it on 4th down, but burn a timeout early.
• Pass to Pickens is broken up and the Steelers turn the ball over on downs.
• The Steelers hold to a three and out, the Seahawks to punt.
• Diontae Johnson catches the pass and then he spins away without anybody hitting him he fumbles the ball and the Seahawks recover.
• Oh Diontae is lucky that his foot was out of bounds and he touched the ball. That could have been disastrous. Steelers keep the ball.
• Steelers running the ball well in the first quarter.
• Steelers quarterback sneak comes up short on third down and one. They’re going to go for it again on 4th down.
• Mason sneaks it for a first down.
• Najee for 8 yards. Running strong early. This could pay off later in the game.
• Steelers have entered the red zone.
• Jaylen Warren gets free into the secondary and scores the Steelers touchdown. Steeler 7, Seahawks 0.
• End of the first quarter, Steelers lead.

2nd Quarter

• Not liking that our pass rushers are not being able to get Geno Smith down. T.J. missed him on that play.
• The Steelers allowed the Seahawks to run all over them on that drive. Seahawks run it in. Steelers 7, Seahawks 7.
• Amazing run by Jaylen Warren.
• Pickens with a catch and then he fumbles the ball. Thank goodness it rolled out of bounds.
• Steelers end up having to burn another time out.
• After the time out and facing third and eight, Rudolph is sacked. It will be a Boswell field goal attempt.
• Boswell’s attempt is good. Steelers 10, Seahawks 7.
• Two plays in the Seahawks are in Steelers territory.
• Back to the Steelers defense unable to stop the run.
• Not sure that JPJ is up to the task of guarding Metcalf one-on-one.
• On third down and 11 the Steelers give up the 12-yard touchdown pass. Seahawks 14, Steelers 10.
• The Steelers finally get their offense where they can be competitive and now the defense can’t stop anything.
• Muuuuttthh!!!
• Najee just running people over.
• Rudolph to Johnson to convert 3rd and 4.
• Najee runs it in for a touchdown!!! Steelers 17, Seahawks 14.
• The defense holds and the offense will get the ball back with about 30 seconds to go.
• That’s the half with the Steelers in the lead 17 to 14.

3rd Quarter

• The Steelers defense starts out where they were in the first half, stopping nothing.
• The defense lets the march down the field, but does not let them score a touchdown and will hold to a field goal try.
• The attempt is good. Steelers 17, Seahawks 17.
• The Steelers have moved into Seahawk territory. They are still running the ball well in the second half.
• Diontae Johnson was left wide open and gets the ball down to the 5-yard line. First and goal Steelers.
• Touchdown Najee!!!!! He got a lot of help with some push from his tight ends. Steelers 24, Seahawks 17.
• The defense holds to a three and out and the Seahawks punt.
• It looked like the Steelers tried to get a little too cute for their own good on that run.
• Steelers come up short on 3rd and 14 and will have their first punt of the day.
• Metcalf has only caught three balls today, but they have all been for large amounts of yards.
• End of the third quarter. Steelers 24, Seahawks 17.

4th Quarter

• Steelers defense stiffens and holds the Seahawks to a 42-yard field goal. Steelers 24 Seahawks 20.
• Najee with a major stiff arm.
• Steelers facing a big third down here.
• What an amazing catch by George Pickens. I thought he had no chance at getting that ball.
• On third down and five the pass to Jaylen Warren looks to come up just shy of a first down.
• The Steelers are going to go for it on 4th down and about 3 inches.
• Rudolph sneaks it for a first down.
• After picking up the first down in the red zone the next three play calls were a little suspect. Boswell on to try the field goal. Steelers 27, Seahawks 20.
• Nick Herbig with a strip sack and the recovery! Steelers are in business again.
• A little shuffle pass to George Pickens sets the Steelers up with first and goal at the five.
• The Steelers are unable to punch it into the touchdown zone, but Boswell comes on to make the chip shot field goal. Steelers 30, Seahawks 20.
• The defense is allowing them to move the ball too quickly in my opinion.
• T. J. Watt is slow to get up. Not good, not good.
• I hate the Steelers soft zone in these situations. They’re going to give up a touchdown with 2 minutes to go in the game.
• T.J. back in the game.
• The defense for the Steelers holds and the Seahawks will kick a field goal. Steelers 30, Seahawks 23.
• The Seahawks go on side kick, and the Steelers recover. Two minute warning.
• Love the past play on first down. George Pickens to the 20-yard line.
• Najee runs for a first down and wisely slides to a stop. Game over.
• One snap in Victory formation.
• 3-2-1 win!!!!!!
• Rudolph’s Shiny New Year’s Eve!

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 toward, Week 18 and the Ravens. Make sure you get your voice heard in the comments below.