On their opening drive, the Steelers took advantage of the Bills’ league-worst run defense, pounding away with Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman. Redman picked up a nine-yard up-the-middle power run that looked a lot like vintage Jerome Bettis. Mendenhall had eight carries for 35 yards, including a short touchdown run in which he went through the Bills’ offensive line untouched. Ben Roethlisberger completed three passes, including two to Hines Ward – it would be nice to see Ward have a big game today after several weeks in which it looked like his age was catching up to him.
The Steelers did try one trick play, with Antwaan Randle El attempting a pass to Ward, but overall the drive was based around a very standard and brutal rushing offense. Shaun Suisham kicked the point after, and the Steelers lead, 7-0.
Brett Keisel is officially out for today, by the way, and Nick Eason is starting in his place.