Week One Game Thoughts and Synopsis

Final Score: Steelers 23, Bills 16

I'll admit that I was siding with the experts going into this matchup. I didn't think we were going to beat the Bills in Buffalo. Needless to say, I am thrilled to be wrong.

A quick synopsis of the game for those of you who didn't watch: The Bills first drive (anchored by a 75-yard punt return on the first play of the game) led to a field goal. Yikes: this was the low point of the game for the Steelers. At halftime it was 10-0 Bills after a touchdown by Gabriel Davis late in the second. Chris Boswell kicked two fields goals in the third, making it 10-6 (I'll be honest I missed both of these. I napped through the third quarter because I was up until 3:30 on Saturday night). The real fun started in the fourth.

Diontae Johnson scored a gorgeous touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Ben, giving the Steelers their first lead of the day. If he can play like that after overcoming an apparent ankle injury early in the first quarter, I'm excited to see what the rest of the season holds for him. Two minutes later Ulysees Gilbert III returned a blocked punt for a TD, making it 20-10.

Three more goals late in the fourth made the final 23-16 and your Steelers are 1-0. Take that "experts!"

Some thoughts while watching: Our special teams still needs help, as evidenced by the first play of the game. Also, I had no idea that Emmanuel Sanders was still in the league...I used to really like him! I think Cam Sutton had the best game of any Steeler player, but close behind was Chris Boswell, who was 3 for 3, including a 45 yarder!

Unlike most Twitter users, I thought Matt Canada's offensive play calling was a nice change of pace from Randy Fichtner (even though it took us till the fourth quarter to really start making some good offensive plays).

Mildly worried about our offensive line situation, but I think we can figure it out.

I'm still excited to watch Najee Harris this season, who rushed for 45 yards in his NFL debut. He also taunted Bills fans who booed him onto the field, which I appreciated.

I think Buffalo might be the last stadium I would want to go to wearing an opposing team's jerseys. I don't mean this as a compliment. Bills Mafia really scares me. That being said, there seemed to be a decent amount of Steelers fans in the crowd!

Other thoughts from around the league: My fantasy team lost 110.98 to 110.02, which doesn't seem fair but whatever!

I know everyone is laughing about that Baker Mayfield gif, but this honestly makes me feel bad.

The Caroline Panthers new mascot (?) is beyond extra and I have no words but thought it needed to be mentioned.

Prediction for Next week:

I'm feeling good, minus Ben's pretty poor performance. If we can't beat the Raiders at home for our season opener I would be shocked. 17-10 Steelers.