Raiders Pull Off 34-31 Upset Over Steelers: Complete Recap and Analysis
By Blu Spikes
Sep 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a 43-yard field goal out of the hold of Shane Lechler (11) as time expires against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum was rocking prior to kick-off. The tailgaters were in outstanding form. Grills were lined up from bumper to bumper. Sea food, Brawts, ribs, burgers, and hot dogs were cooking. The music was blasting, the fans were typical classy Raider fans dressed in stylish Silver and Black the 12th man had done their pre game preparation.
Here is the recap of the game, written as it happened:
Change will come at a price today for the Raiders, Michael Huff starts at defensive corner. That put the Black shirts in a soft zone coverage allowing for the Pittsburg receivers to get open at will. Ten different receivers caught a pass in the first half that led to the Steelers leading 17-14 at halftime. Zone coverage not usually a part of the red zone package on defense, Raiders using it at will. Very soft coverage by the mismatched Raider secondary allowing the receivers to come open on rout after rout.
Ben Roethlisberger has not been challenged during the game allowing him to slide and get that x-tra second to find the first choice rout or to check down to the safety value. Big Ben is 22/31 for 207 yards. He is untouched and no pressure from the hulking Raider front seven.
Steelers get on the score board first. A four yard pass from Big Ben to Heath Miller the drive covered 36 yards, and it took 3:06 to get in the end zone. 7-0 Steelers
The Raiders glory play in the first half was a zone stretch to McFadden. He hit the hole full speed and every blocker had a man sealed and it was off to the end zone for McFadden 64 yards for the Raider offense. The explosion took three plays, covered 80 yards and took sixty seconds. Raiders 7 Steelers 7
A rerun of the Steelers first score Roethlisberger hooks up with Miller once again. The pass goes for four yards and 6 points the kick was good to put the Steelers in the lead 14-7
Raiders tie it up at 14 as Palmer finally hooks up with Heyward-Bey with a 3 yard reception in the end zone. Drive info Six plays, for 30 yards. Tied up Raiders 14 Steelers 14
With :02 on the clock Steelers QB Big Ben spikes the ball to bring out the field goal team. Shaun Suisham 33 Yard Field Goal is good. Steelers take a lead into the locker room 17-14. Drive info 9 plays, 80 yds, 3:20
Second half the Steelers pick up right where they left off-picking the Raider secondary apart. Roethisburger is able to manufacture time and set up not once, but several times during the play and is able to connect with several receivers on the drive. Finally connects with Mike Wallace in the back of the end zone for 6 point on the ninth play of the drive. Another Suisham extra point give the Steelers a 24-14 lead at 11:50 in the 3rd quarter.
Raiders show some consistency and continuity running and throwing the pigskin. Palmer is getting the ball out of his hand faster; receivers are getting into their routs quicker. The drive is alive. McFadden gets down to the one almost in to the end zone, play is reviewed no TD. At last Richard Gordon 1 Yard Pass From Carson Palmer. Sebastian Janikowski Kick is good Steelers 24- Raiders 21
Pittsburgh gets excellent field position after a Janikowski on side kick is mishandled by the Raiders kick off coverage team. Roethlisberger is having his way with the Raider secondary, completing pass after pass. Big Ben extending each pass play past his 3 second limit. Three, Four, Five seconds finding open receivers. Miller is the favorite target for the Steelers QB. Steelers score on a fumble as the Steelers Antonio Brown fumbles into the end zone, Antonio Brown Fumble Recovery of his own fumble Shaun Suisham Kick is good. Drive info: 8 plays, 48 yards. Steelers 31 – Raiders 21
Heyward-Bey the fourth year receiver fromMarylandtakes a shot in the back of the end zone. No penalty, but fines and suspensions will most likely handed out by the Commissioners office on Monday. Thought and concerns are with Heyward-Bey. Great job by the medical personnel getting this athlete prepared to go to the medical facility. Great sign of hope as Darius Heyward-Bey raises his arm as he leaves the stadium.
Raiders continue to show a glimmer of hope as they mix up the running and passing game. Nine different plays and finally get into the end zone with a Palmer six yard pass to Denarius Moore in the end zone to pull within three point of the Steelers. This was Denarius first TD reception on the year. Sebastian Janikowski Kick is good. Drive info: 11 plays, 80 yds, 4:18. Palmer has thrown for three touchdowns on the day! Steelers 31 Raiders 28
Steelers look to be going down for another score yet the Raiders cause a fumble. B. Roethlisberger pass short over the middle to A.Brown to the Raider 44 for a 20 yard reception fumbles, recovered by Oakland’s Wheeler at the Raider 36. Raiders create some luck of their own. G Sebastian Janikowski 32 Yard Field Goal is good! Score tied Steelers 31 Raiders 31.
Steelers 4th and 1 at the 29 yrd line they call a gutsy call. Big Ben gives the ball to Redman he picks up the first down and resets the down box.
4th qtr, 2:00 minute warning Pittsburg has the ball score is tied 31-31. 3rd and 9 from the 36 yrd line Big Ben with a pass that falls incomplete 4th and 9Pittsburg has to punt.
Raiders start the drive on their own 25 yard line. Sebastian Janikowski 43 Yard Field Goal is good. Drive info: 8 plays, 49 yds, 1:42 Black and Silver score 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat. Raiders win 34- Steelers 31 the Steelers fall to 1-2 the Raiders crawl outta of the cellar with a 1-2 record. Coach Allen get his first win as a Head Coach.
JUST WIN BABY!
Top Performers
Passing: B. Roethlisberger (PIT) – 384 YDS, 4 TD
C. Palmer (Oak) -23/33 -209 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT.
Rushing:D.McFadden (OAK) – 18 CAR, 113 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving: M. Wallace (PIT) – 8 REC, 123 YDS, 1 TD
Team Stat Comparison
PIT |
OAK
1stDowns
24
20
Passing 1st downs
18
14
Rushing 1st downs
6
4
1st downs from Penalties
0
2
3rd down efficiency
8-14
7-12
4th down efficiency
2-2
0-0
Total Plays
70
55
Total Yards
433
321
Yards per play
6.2
5.8
Total Drives
12
10
Passing
379
202
Comp – Att
36-49
23-33
Yards per pass
7.7
6.1
Interceptions thrown
0
1
Sacks – Yards Lost
1-5
1-7
Rushing
54
119
Rushing Attempts
20
21
Yards per rush
2.7
5.7
Red Zone (Made-Att)
3-4
3-4
Penalties
10-81
3-25
Turnovers
2
1
Fumbles lost
2
0
Interceptions thrown
0
1
Defensive / Special Teams TDs
0
0
Possession
36:16
23:44