First-team Offense Finally Delivers

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the first-team offense won't have to explain a preseason without a touchdown this August.
Big Ben and the first-team "O" failed to find the end zone in four preseason games in 2005.

This time around, they crossed the goal line in their second preseason game, on just their second preseason series. Roethlisberger hit wide receiver Cedrick Wilson for 16 yards and a touchdown at 10:12 of the first quarter Saturday night at Heinz Field against the Minnesota Vikings. The scoring strike capped a six-play, 55-yard march in 2:32.

The score was the only one the Steelers could manage in a first half that ended with Minnesota ahead, 10-7.

The Steelers' first-team offense had moved 41 yards in nine plays before Jeff Reed missed a 54-yard field goal on its only possession Aug. 12 at Arizona.

Not involved

Wide receiver Isaac West (knee), center Chukky Okobi (neck), wide receiver Sean Morey (thumb), tight end Jerame Tuman (hamstring) and wide receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) didn't dress for the Steelers.

The Vikings didn't suit up wide receiver Kevin Kasper, running back Mewelde Moore, cornerback Charles Gordon, linebacker Marcus Lawrence and wide receiver Koren Robinson.

Two-for-two

Wide receiver Nate Washington started his second consecutive preseason game in place of Ward.

Wide receiver Quincy Morgan served as the No. 3 receiver for the second straight week.

Oh-for-two

The Steelers' first-team defense surrendered a game-opening touchdown drive for the second consecutive week.

Minnesota moved 76 yards in nine plays in 5:34 for a game-tying touchdown the first time it touched the ball.

The Cardinals had gone 56 yards in 12 plays in 6:22 during their initial possession Aug. 12.

Safety first

The Steelers loaded up with three safeties and one cornerback prior to a third-and-1 snap for the Vikings from the Minnesota 46-yard line in the first quarter. The Steelers replaced cornerback Deshea Townsend with safety Tyrone Carter on the play.

Free safety Ryan Clark, starting in place of Carter this time after Carter had started the preseason opener, had a chance to stop running back Chester Taylor in the backfield but couldn't make the play. Taylor ran through Clark's tackle on the way to a 4-yard gain and a first down.

It had to happen

Steelers center Jeff Hartings was called for an illegal snap on first-and-10 from the Minnesota 44 on a second-quarter march. Hartings has been critical of a new rule this season that prohibits abrupt pre-snap movement by a center, particularly with the arms or head.

Refs 2, Coaches 0

Two replay challenges were denied in the first half.

Vikings coach Brad Childress cost his team a timeout by arguing that a completion to Morgan shouldn't have been allowed.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher lost a TO for contending that a pass to wide receiver Santonio Holmes should have been ruled a catch.

Nice work

Tight end Heath Miller was honored at halftime with the Joe Greene Great Performance Award for being named the 2005 Steelers rookie of the year by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association of America.

In accepting the trophy, a likeness of Greene, Miller expressed thanks to the crowd for receiving an award named for "one of the best Steelers of all-time."

Anticipation

The Heinz Field grounds crew covered the field with a tarp at approximately 5 p.m., well in advance of an oncoming storm. The tarp was removed following the rain and the teams were able to warm up on the field prior to kickoff, which was delayed 15 minutes to 8:15 p.m.

Down the stretch

? The Steelers have two preseason games remaining -- Friday night at Philadelphia and Aug. 31 against Carolina.

? Rosters must be reduced to 65 by 4 p.m. Aug. 29 and to 53 by 4 p.m. Sept. 2.

The Steelers have 84 players on their roster, including NFL Europe exemptions

[Black@Gold Forever32]

Actually the Vikes recieved the ball to start the game and their starting offense went three and out. The Steelers starting unit gave up a TD to the Vikings offense on their second series.

[BlackNGold203]

If it wasnt for Ike's bonehead penalty...the Vikes 2nd series would have been 3 and out also.....

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by Black and Gold Forever 32

Actually the Vikes recieved the ball to start the game and their starting offense went three and out. The Steelers starting unit gave up a TD to the Vikings offense on their second series.

Your right,The Vikings got the ball to start the game, but Chester Taylor was stopped for a one-yard loss by Ike Taylor on the first play from scrimmage. Brad Johnson then completed a three-yard pass to Chester Taylor and Ike Taylor came up with the stop. On third-and-eight Johnson connected with Tony Richardson, and Aaron Smith hit him for a five-yard loss.