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Pittsburgh’s new Steel Curtain

The tone was set for Sunday’s 26-9 victory by the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Minnesota Vikings about 90 minutes before kickoff when the inactive lists for both teams were released.

The Vikings’ list included their first-string quarterback Sam Bradford. It wasn’t really surprising to those who had observed earlier workouts Sunday morning and watched Bradford. While the other Minnesota quarterbacks were moving around and passing the ball, Bradford was stationary and just softly tossing the football.

Bradford has already had two surgeries on his left knee, which was injured again versus the New Orleans Saints in the Vikings’ season opener.

With a backup starting at quarterback, any doubts as to what the Steelers’ defensive gameplan would be were soon put aside. The Vikings, who used five different left tackles in 2016, have completely rebuilt their offensive line, and have five new starters up front.

However, they struggled versus the Steelers as defensive ends Cameron Heyward and Tyson Alualu repeatedly bullrushed the Minnesota tackles and made life miserable for quarterback Case Keenum. Alualu was starting in place of Stephon Tuitt, who was deactivated prior to the game. Heyward finished with six tackles, one for a loss, and two quarterback pressures.

Nose tackle Javon Hargrave was like a mountain in the middle, effectively neutralizing the interior of the Minnesota offensive line. Rookie linebacker T.J. Watt was also a regular in the Minnesota backfield. On his pass deflection, early in the game, Watt bullrushed right tackle Mike Remmers, kept his eyes on Keenum and then put his hands up at the opportune time. Later, Watt suffered a groin injury and was forced to leave the game.

Watt’s injury created an interesting note as James Harrison is listed behind Watt on the depth chart. However, Anthony Chickillo subbed in Watt’s place.

For most of the game, the Steelers only rushed four players, allowing them to drop seven off into coverage.

SPECIAL PLAYERS

Proving his worth again this week, backup linebacker Tyler Matakevich batted down an attempted Viking pass on a fake punt. Week One in Cleveland, Matakevich blocked the punt to set up the Steelers’ first touchdown.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin repeatedly stresses the importance of the backup not only being able to play their position, but also to contribute on special teams. Special teams play is what keeps a player like Matekevich on the active roster.

Another backup, cornerback Brian Allen downed a punt at the Vikings’ one-yard line.

ROONEY TRIBUTE

The late Dan Rooney was honored before the game with a video tribute on the scoreboard. Steelers legends Rocky Bleier and Mel Blount raised the flag with Rooney’s initials “DMR” on a flag just outside Gate A. Joe Greene and Franco Harris served as honorary captains.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra played the National Anthem followed by a flyover. It’s amazing how those jets can be coordinated to the second.

DELAY OF GAME

How do you get a delay of game on a two-point conversion? It’s relatively easy if you act like you’re throwing dice in the end zone after scoring. That routine by the Steelers wide receivers resulted in a 5-yard penalty delay that resulted in a 40-yard extra point attempt on the Steelers’ first touchdown. Thankfully, kicker Chris Boswell nailed the kick.

STEELERS INACTIVES

Rookie quarterback Joshua Dobbs, wide receiver Justin Hunter, safety J.J. Wilcox, tight end Vance McDonald, defensive end Stephon Tuitt and offensive tackles Jerald Hawkins and Matt Feiler were inactive on Sunday.

BELL BLIZZARD

After their opening week win in Cleveland, Le’Veon Bell spent part of his Tuesday off-day at the New Kensington, Pa., Dairy Queen serving up blizzards, sundaes and cones.

During training camp, when he was holding out, Bell filled out an online application on a whim. When they contacted him, Bell accepted the one-day job. Watching the video of him at the DQ, he appeared to have a good time.

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