The Mud Bowl! Miami Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers FULL GAME | NFL 2007 Season Week 12

The Mud Bowl! Miami Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers FULL GAME | NFL 2007 Season Week 12

Thank you for your patience through the weather delay here and a very good job by the entire NFL staff and the Steelers clearing the stadium when the dangerous weather was in the area. The forecast of rain remains throughout the evening. We think the heaviest of the rain will be through after the first half, but the most important part is the dangerous weather is gone. And that is why the fans who are all in the concourses now return to their seats. Pittsburgh won the toss and will receive. And what we’ll try to do is help you as much as we can with the yard line tonight because I can’t see any of the numbers out there. Alan Rosom, we got his 30 ready for it. Jay Phely set to kickoff. I got you covered on the numbers. Yeah, good luck. I’ve got to see my dog up in the booth. We’re okay. Rosson fielding at about the 12 up the middle. Rosson is taken down around the 32 yd line. A 20 yd return. And here comes Ben Rufflesberger, the quarterback. He has started 50 games in the NFL and he’s won 36 of them, 20 and five here at home, but Ron sacked seven times as mentioned by the Jets in the loss last week at the Metallions. Yeah, and the Jets did a really good job of breaking down the protection schemes of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They were getting a free blitzer at Ben Rothersburg, right? Breaking down their slides and their pickups. Good job by the Jets last week. Let’s see if the Dolphins can do the same this week. First and 10. We’ll keep the yard line in for you as often as possible since you can’t tell when you look at the screen. It’s at the 33 and this is Parker dancing to the left. He gains about a yard. Keith Trailer in there on the stop along with Donnie Spraen who’s starting for Derek Pope here tonight. I got to ask you a question. With all the golf that you’ve done, is there a casual water rule on this field? Is there a lift, clean, and place rule so we know that the ball will be dry? We’re just hoping the Miami uniforms stay somewhere where we can see the numbers because they will be dirty by take a picture now and look at the Miami uniform in three hours. Right. Gain of one by Parker. Second and nine. [Applause] And Rufflesberger with the throw. It is too far for Hines Ward and incomplete. Hey Jaws, let me go back. I’m sorry to something just basic. Players are such creatures of habit. Usually you come out, you warm up, you go back in, you go through your team warm-ups, and then you go back in the locker room and go here tonight. A truncated warm-up, 10 minutes out on the field, and then you’re ready to go. Will that have any impact early on tonight? You know, I really believe it does, and I think the Dolphins get a little bit of an advantage because they had some delays early this season, the start of their game, so they’re used to being, you know, thrown off their normal clock. It’s a good point. Their game against Oakland in Miami was delayed a half hour at the start for the exact same reason. Really helped them in the record book so far. They lost that one against a fourman rush. Rufflesburgger throws complete to Hines Ward. It was the first down at about the 47 yd line. Andre Goodman made the tackle. Officially it was a gain of 14 for Ward. It’s first and 10. Pittsburgh at their own 47. Andlessberger to the air. A sliding catch made by Cedric Wilson. A gain of 13 and a first down in front of Michael Lehan into Pittsburgh territory. First and 10 for the Miami 39. It’s a gain of a yard and a half for Willie Parker who’s carried it as much as anyone in the NFL this season. And as we heard from Joey Porter, here is his return. And when we met with him last night, he was so anxious to come back and see his old buddies. Very excited uh not with the 0 and 10 record with Miami Dolphins, but to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Disappointed that he’s been primarily a strong side linebacker. Has to play over the tight end. That means he doesn’t play in space and doesn’t get the ability to attack the quarterback that he loves so much to do. Second and eight, Pittsburgh at the Miami 37. Opening drive of the game. Roughlessberger. Everybody’s covered. Ben good out of the pocket, stays alive, completes it for a first down to Hines Ward who gets it out the 29 yd line. Once again, one of the strengths of Ben Rothberger is to extend the play. Receivers run their routes. They don’t get open. You’ll see Ben survey the field. No one open. He moves now away from the rush. All of a sudden, receivers uncover. He throws the ball very well, moving to his left as well as his right. Accurate on the move. He’s having a great year. He’s in the number two rated pass in the entire NFL and nobody really knows it because the distance between Brady and him is 20 miles. Brady and everybody else is 20 miles. First and 10 Pittsburgh at the Miami 29. Parker Channing Crowder is playing middle linebacker in for Zack Thomas who’s inactive for the fourth consecutive game. Sixth time this year. Crowder makes the stop. The gain was about three and a half. Mike Jaws and I were uh watching them drop stuff on the field. You can probably see certain brown spots near where the ball is now. Jaws insist it’s cat litter. Jaws said to me, “This is what they’re doing. They’re dropping cat litter on the field. They’re soaking up the water.” [Applause] Second and six. And you believe me? [Applause] That is the 25 of Miami. And Ben gets out of the way. intercepted. And who else but Joey Porter takes it away and right in front of the Steelers sideline says, “Hi guys, remember me? 10 to 20 of you used to come to my house for Thanksgiving dinner and I got the leftovers tonight.” Joey Porter comes up with the interception and Miami will take over at the 35. Jesse Chapman is the running back. No Ricky Williams as of yet. John Beck, the rookie out of BYU, second start. Penalty marker is down. Killing the play before it gets started. Jeff Triplet hasn’t had a flag yet, but has had a very busy night with getting the game delay going. Start number 72 of the offense. 5 yd penalty. Still first down. Now Ben Rothberger just threw an ill-advised interception. You’ll see Hines Ward coming across in motion. He’s going to run the out route. Ben drops back in the pocket. He’s looking inside. He’s He’s going to look to here and to here to both tight ends. That’s where he wants to go with the football, but they are both covered now. He moves outside the pocket. The throw is late. He tries to stick it on a line drive throw. Porter is able to pick it off. First and 15 after the flag. Chapman slowed by an ankle injury and Larry Foot comes up to get him for a loss of yardage on the play. It was a sprained left ankle for Jesse Chatton. There’s the Joey Porter interception. Look at it. I know you love me. I know. Oh yeah. Shocking. Shocking at Well, we asked Ben Rothllessberger, what what’d you learn from your time with Joey Porter immediately? How to trash talk? That’s what he learned. Rothberger makes a tackle though. His tackle. They get acquainted that way. Beck almost lost the handle. Gets it to Chapman only for a yard. Miami’s stuck in neutral right now. And let’s spend a moment here after Brett Keasel’s tackle to introduce you to John Beck. He’s the second round draft pick, number 40 overall of the Dolphins. He’s a rookie and 26 years old. He went to Brigham Young University as a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints Mormons. He went on a two-year mission to Portugal after his high school days before his college days. then went to BYU and overcame a lot of stress at BYU, including suspensions, coaching change, stabilized there, and put up very good numbers. Good enough to have a lot of teams interested in him and Miami selecting him at 40 overall. Making his second start tonight. His first throw is for the first round pick from this year. Ted Gen into the clear. He’s going to be stopped at the 40. That’s going to be five yds shy of the first down. And Miami is going to punch it away. It’s interesting that you would put those two together and that would be the passing combination. When Ted Gin was drafted, people booed in Miami because they wanted Brady Quinn. Cam Cameron later said the key to our draft was to get both of them to get Gin in the first round and Beck in the second round. And Cameron sees his future inextricably lied to tied to those two players as they move forward. Brandon Fields, the rookie out of Michigan State to kick it away. You saw Alan Ross back deep covering kicks is going to be very tough tonight. Poor punt. It stops. It’s a 36-yd kick. Look, not getting any roll tonight. Steeler fans, boy, they are hailing Hardy. Game delayed 25 minutes at the start because of the rain. Pittsburgh turnover possession. One starting from their own 25. Rothllessberger picked the last time throws to Cedric Wilson. the gain of a half dozen in front of Michael Leehan at the 31. Well, we heard Joey Porter with the pick before. Joey had a special special message for his teammates before this game. No matter what the score is, they know how I play. I’m taking somebody with me. Whether it’s Ben, Willie, y’all better get low. Hines, you come try and crack back on me, you better get low cuz I’m head hunting for everybody. It was ball hunting on the first possession. came up with the interception after a gain of six. A second and four run with Parker to the 40 yd line. A gain of about eight and a first down for Pittsburgh with Willie Parker. Excellent use of formation variation by the Steelers and now they’re speed offense. In other words, no huddle. They spread the field out that time at three wide. They created seams for Willie Parker. They’ve gotten away from their counter game. Now it’s straight ahead in the sloppy weather. from the Miami 40 first down. Pittsburgh 40. I beg you pardon. And Parker gains a couple. Channing Crowder with the tackle. Now, we talked about Joey Porter, who by the way is a sports writer’s dream because he never shuts up. We asked him, could you imagine 0 and 10? He said, “No, this defense last year was a number five defense in the entire league. The new coach, they brought in an offensive guy. He thought Cam Cameron would fix the offense and Miami would be contenders immediately. Second and seven for Rufflesburg. He’s getting time and Hines Ward is busy to the 46 yd line into Dolphin territory. Porter makes the tackle on Hines, but it’s a first down. We continue with Porter then. Here’s here’s the thing about Porter. He said he thought he was coming in there to make sure that Jason Taylor was single covered. He said we were supposed to wreak havoc. And Jaws, as you said before, he also pointed out they’re not attacking in the way he expected when he went to Miami. A little different change in philosophy due to all the injuries the Dolphins have suffered on the defensive side. Gain of a dozen from the Miami 46. Parker left side. Tackle missed by Shannon Crowder. Parker just shy of the first down. Jason Allen made the tackle. A gain of about nine. One thing Miami has seen a lot of is teams gaining first downs on the ground. No defense in the league has given up more rushing yards. And that’s part of the reason Miami is second to last in points allowed. And they have not gotten off the field on third down as well. Run by Parker. We’ll check the spot as Crowder and Keith Trailer made the tackle. See if it’s near the yellow line. There is Zack Thomas. missed a couple of games in September for concussions. Now missing a fourth consecutive game with migraines. They have said he will not be cleared to play until he goes an entire week without lightheadedness or any reaction from those migraines. And he was playing at a high level too when playing earlier this year. Pick up the first down and empty the back field. Lefty from the Miami 35. Pressure comes from the Dolphins. They got to Rothlessberger as he was passing. Ben able to slide on it back at the 49. It’ll be a loss of about 14 yds. Will Allen number 25 came to the blind side the left side of Ben Rothosberger. He never saw him. It was an empty backfield. You see number 25 coming in clean. You see number 78 Max Starks could not get the arm quick enough on Will Allen. Ben never saw him. There’s the fumble recovered by Rothsberger. And that’s Max Starks starting for Marll Smith. Usually the left tackle, but out tonight because of a back problem. Excellent job on the stunt design by Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator for Will Allen. First sack of the season, third of his career. Rothlessberger to Hines Ward. A good open field tackle by Travis Daniels playing the nickel. Thirdyear man out of LSU. And Tony was talking about the changes to defense, not the philosophy they were hoping to play coming in. They’ve lost three safeties for the year, Jeremiah Bell and Ronaldo Hill and Tvaris Tilman. And that’s really affected the back end. So the pressure that Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator would like, not here right now. Well, clearly when Joey Porter came to the Dolphins, you know, he thought with him on one side and Jason Taylor on the other side, wow, they could just attack the line, attack the quarterback. Big year. But if your secondary can’t cover, you can’t bring the heat. Third and 24 from just on the Miami side of midfield. Shovel pass to Naj Davenport only going to gain a couple of yards as Rodri Wright out of Texas playing in his first season made the play. And the Steelers after a prosperous start to the drive will punt to Ted Gin Jr. There’s one reason Ted Gin Jr. moved up to number nine in the draft. As Cam Cameron told the fans in Miami on draft day, you will be excited every time he catches a kickoff or a punt and can end in a return game. And they booed him because they didn’t think the number nine guy should be a return man. It’s a fair catch of a Daniel Seovva to kick here. It happens at the 15. Miami taking over from its own 15 yd line. And on the handoff, Jesse Chapman is taken down by Larry Foot. Second tackle by foot behind the line of scrimmage tonight. Let’s go to Michelle Seafoy. Well, you’ve talked about young John Beck, the rookie starting at quarterback. He has leaned a lot on Trent Green, who’s now on IR, but helping out with the quarterbacks. And he has said he wants to use Trent’s experienced eyes to see the field. And Trent wants to help him, too. But more than that, Trent wants to be a sounding board for Beck. He said, “I don’t want to overwhelm him with advice, but I do have experience. I’ll tell him anything he wants to know, but I’m not going to force my ideals on him.” Mike Trent Green injured in that fifth game of the season against Houston. Injured reserved out for the year. Beck throws to Ted D who catches on the side and Tyrone Carter makes the tackle at the 20 yd line. This is one of the things I expected from John Beck this evening. A little more movement on him. Get him outside the pocket. Change that launch point. The Steelers do a great job with their pressure up the middle. Now you move the quarterback. You take that Fire X away. And oh, Tony, Ricky Williams. Interesting. Ricky Williams, who uh was not a part of the team at all until practice this week, comes in in a third down situation. Again, Williams has not played in the National Football League in 99 weeks. And here’s his first carry since. And Ricky Williams keeps it alive in games of first down for Miami at the 25 yd line. Excellent job by Ricky Williams. You can see he has the power right there. He’s 231 lbs. 18 lbs heavier than he was with the Dolphins 22 months ago. He needed that extra 18 lbs there as he drove those legs for the first down. What do you think, Tony? One carry, a first down. I’ve got a lot to say, but they’re going to run a play right now. Over the course of the game, you’re going to hear a lot from me about Ricky Williams. Did not play in the NFL in 04 and 06. did play 11 games with Toronto of the Canadian Football League. This is the first time he’s been hit. The Dolphins did not hit in practice this week. And Aaron Smith and James Farrier bang him around after a gain of about a yard and a half. Look, it’s a fascinating story. I mean, everybody knows Ricky Williams won the Heisman. He was the leading rusher in the NFL for a while and he threw it all away. He was smoked pot all the time. He got busted time and time again for this. He left the league at one point in some spiritual quest and he went on national television and said he liked to smoke pop. Well, there are rules against that in this league, but he’s had to be clean probably for the last year in order to get back into the league. On third down, final play of the quarter in all likelihood. Williams with nowhere to run, runs in to the waiting arms of Arnold Harrison getting some rare action. He’s played mostly special teams. Harrison makes the play. Well, what Ricky must do, you can’t go outside with the field like it is right now. You got to lower your shoulder. Rain continuing to fall heavily in the second quarter. Begins with a third down for Miami. Third and nine from their own 26 yd line. And the rookie John Beck steps up and throws the long pass. Tin couldn’t squeeze it in front of Bryant McFaden’s coverage. Fourth down punt. You’ll see Ted Gin right on the outside. He gets the isolation route working against Brian McFaden. If the ball was delivered on time to the outside, you had a chance for the completion. But John Beck was looking to the inside of the field, was flush with the pocket, came late back to the outside. Brandon Fields to kick. Allan Ross awaits. Missed it. That’s going to be less than 20 yardds on the punt. I think Pittsburgh is going to take over in Miami territory. Third possession for the Steelers. All of them have gone into Miami territory. This one starting there at the 48. And a run of just a yard by Willie Parker against the Miami defense. That’s poor statistically, but has some big names on it, including Jason Taylor. Jason Taylor, when we talked to him the other day, we now know that Miami is committed to rebuilding. They’ve had so many injuries, so many guys on IR. You know, they traded away their number one wide receiver. They’re they’re looking to rebuild. Jason Taylor obviously wonders if he’s going to be a part of that after being an MVP last year. I mean, he talked in terms of a pronoun Mike they. He didn’t even say we. Didn’t you get the sense he was distancing himself from this team? It’s certainly not the cast he’s been around. Zack Thomas, his defensive buddy and brother-in-law, out the last four games. Out of the gun, Rothllessberger throws to Nate Washington. About the starts for San Antonio Holmes tonight. pass gets about five yards. Third and three. Steelers spread the field. There are six defensive backs on the field for Miami. And they bring the corner pressure again. Rufflesburgger takes off and Ben is stopped a yard shy of the first down at the Miami 40 yd line. Joey Porter right in the middle of it. Ben is telling Mike Tomlin, “Hey, let’s go for this fourth down.” These are the same pressures that the Steelers offensive line had trouble with last week against the Jets. You see Shawn Mahan, number 61. He had trouble with Joey Porter up the middle. Then there was pressure from the outside. You would think that the Steelers offensive line would have made the adjustments from a week ago. Right now, they’re having trouble picking up the stunts of the Miami Dolphins. It’s a pretty good play by Porter. Got in there and able to make a turn on this wet field. Fourth and a long one from the 41. Naz Davenport stopped not going to get there. Vonnie Holiday at the top of the pile. Will Allen who’s having a very good year was in there as well. Guys, we know when the weather’s bad, field position is important. Maybe they should have punted there, Ron. I I believe they should. The field is now flipped in favor of the Dolphins. Miami taking over at its own 40 yd line. That 22 yd punt didn’t burn him. Ricky Williams for the run. Gains about six yd. Now the reverse to Ted Gin tries to stop on the D. I don’t think he said the night a reverse is going to work too well. No. James on the stop. Loss of one on the last play. Dolphins third and five with Ricky Williams running left. Lost the football. Pittsburgh has recovered. Penalty marker down back in the Miami back field. James Farrier knocked it from Williams who again on a wet night taking contact for the first time. And Ricky stung by that shot. There are two fouls on the play. Holding number 64, the offense. That penalty is declining. Holding number 70, the offense. That penalty is also declining. Result of the play. First and 10. Pittsburgh. Again, if you’re just tuning in, heavy rain resided field. All the lines that were painted on the field yesterday came off when the tarp came off. So that’s why other than that Steeler logo, there are very few yard lines out there to the hole comes to Parker. He gets three. Willie tackled by Jason Allen. Let’s go back to that fumble. Well, you’ll see right here Rickman’s giving up the football. Hurt his shoulder. This is a guy that hasn’t had contact in the National Football League in 22 months. He’s been with the Dolphins since last Monday. This time of year, teams work out with shorts, shells, and helmets. He’s not been hit in a long time. James Fer put the lick on him. He didn’t have ball security. Pittsburgh Steelers get the football. It’s not like he was short-handed back in 01 through 03. 22 times he fumbled. 16 times he lost it. That was an issue back when Ricky was a regular in the league. Another reverse try this time by Nate Washington. No gain. Joey Porter pushes him out. Third down here. Rothlessberger in the middle is vacant. The catch by Hines kept his balance and Jason Taylor hustling all the way back brings him down. It’s a first down at the 22 yd line, but a penalty marker number 44. The offense will bring it back. 10 yd penalty. Still third down. N Davenport erases the big gain for Hines Ward. Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator for the Dolphins, showing a lot of different looks on that Dolphin defense. That time kind of had that that creep look defense. And then you’ll see number 44 Naji Danfort that Davenport grab right there. You can’t make that kind of play. Jaws, that’s a corner coming in. That’s a corner. You just got Hey, you know that’s that’s where you got to put the shoulder right into him. And Will Allen coming on the blitz. You got to stick him. My friend Meil Hodge, he can do some coaching on that one. He’ll kick him out the factor back fraternity. Well, he’s been factored onto the sideline and Carrie Davis comes in to protect Rothllessberger after a 20-yd gain was erased. Third and 17. Then gets it to Davis and the former Fighting Ali Illinois player is brought down by Will Allen who is having a fabulous game thus far here tonight. It’ll be fourth down just for about the eighth snap in a row right on the Dolphin side of midfield. Yeah, and Will Allen’s had a really solid season for Miami Dolphins. balls thrown at him been completed at less than 50%. So, he has been very sharp. He’s had 12 balls defensively. He’s got his hand on 12 balls. That’s one of the best in the National Football League. So, Will Allen has played solid quarterback position for the Dolphins. Gin and Ohio State rookie first round. Sapova rookie out of Baylor fourth round catch Ted Gin at the 9 yd line. The heaviest of the rain came through, but as you look down, you can almost see where the tarp was lying and the water pulled. So every 20 yards is a really bad spot. Miami’s played most of the game in their own territory. Only a dozen snaps and one first down. Ricky Williams is back in the game. He waved off the trainers on the sideline earlier. First catch from Marty Booker who gains about eight yards in front of Ike Taylor to the 18. Williams with the carry for the first down and he takes it to the 21 yd line. People ask about the intrigue with Ricky Williams. It’s simple. He threw it away. He threw away millions of dollars and all he wanted to do as he said again on national television was smoke pot that and so he got suspended and suspended and suspended. But let’s bring out a couple of things, okay? He wasn’t involved in dog fighting to our knowledge. He hasn’t brandished weapons. He hasn’t driven drunk and and hurt anybody. He hasn’t even used performance-enhancing drugs. He has been slavishly devoted to something that’s illegal in the NFL and in the country smoking marijuana. But I think he’s been villainized to some degree beyond his villain. Well, as you saw, he went out favoring that shoulder again. He’s not going to wave away the trainers this time. Meanwhile, John Beck has to take off and he slides for a gain of about seven yards. So, Williams, who hurt the shoulder on that fumble earlier, let’s look as they were going for it, he gets stepped on. That’s that can’t be fun, George. No, it can’t. That was Lawrence Timonss, the rookie first round pick was just going for the ball. But I’ll concede this thing about Ricky Williams cuz I know people bring it up. He walked out on his team. He may very well not be a good teammate and his teammates may not want him back. But I’m wondering Jaws if you agree that maybe he’s been villainized more than he should. Well, I I you mentioned the key component. He walked out on his team. I know at that time the Dolphin players were very upset that he bailed legitimately. Well, legitimately so. Second and two. Jesse Chapman comes back in the game with his sore ankle and loses a couple of yards. Casey Hampton, who’s on the Steelers 75th anniversary team, makes the tackle. Meanwhile, Williams with that shoulder injury, continues to be looked at by the medical staff and will be taken back for further examination in the locker room. Were you surprised, Mike Jaws? Were you surprised Cam Cameron took him back? No, I I was not surprised. He They need a running back. They get a veteran player at minimum salary, and he does have a pretty good pedigree as a running back. Let’s not forget this guy was one heck of a player at one time. I wonder if he can be that again. He’s walking off the field now to be looked at. Six carries, 15 yds, and a fumble. Timeout Miami with the play clock running down. Miami just used its first timeout. We are scoreless. The weather is improving. The rain is tapering down to drizzle and showers. We’ll see if that helps at all on a very difficult field to play on. Let’s see what confusion look Dick Leau the defensive coordinator dials up here. Third and four. Beck is protected and throws. It is caught and dropped which has been a common phrase with Derek Hagen the receiver. Fourth down punch. But here’s Michelle first. Well, quick update on Ricky Williams. You saw him go to the locker room. Uh his right shoulder has an injury. He is questionable for the remainder of the game. They’re they’re going to take him back for further examination. But let me clean up a couple things you guys were talking about. the misconceptions Lee Steinberg, his agent, would say that you guys just talked about. You say he’s a weird guy. He’s a strange guy. Lee Steinberg would contend he’s a grounded guy. He’s a smart guy and 10 minutes with him would dispel all the terrible jokes that have been said about him. The second misconception, Alan Rosam on the punt return, Michelle, hang on a second. Ross breaks free into the clear with the punter to beat. Deeps him right. He’s finally brought down across midfield at the 47 yd line. So, the first big play of the game is made by Rossam. The kick was 53. The return was 34. 41 snaps tonight. 31 in Dolphins territory yet 0 and 10 Miami. Scoreless with Pittsburgh. Will the Steelers finally break through from the 47 Rafflesburgger? Miami’s coverage downfield has been good. And now breaking away is Dan Crider the fullback to the 33 yd line. First down and a gain of 14. Mike, I want to just add the second misconception. Again, this is Lee Steinberg, Ricky Williams agent, but he said the misconception is that Ricky lost his love for football and he said he lost his faith in whether he as a human being could fit in the NFL. But he loves football. He was on pins and needles waiting for the commissioner to reinstate him. He watched all the games on TV. So remember, social anxiety disorder. You got to question, did he walk out on his team or could he just not handle it? And rookie return, truncated by the shoulder injury a moment ago. Meanwhile, the Steelers Willie Parker breaks into the secondary. Gains nine. Michael Leehand pulls him back, but still a good run to the 24 yd line. And Pittsburgh sensing the need to take advantage of the good field position they’ve had all night. Excellent downhill running by Willie Parker. The Steelers have gone to more of their lead base blocking, not using their counters where they pull offensive linemen. They just want to establish the line of scrimmage and let Willie Parker run downhill. Been effective so far this drive. Willie Parker coming into the game tonight leading the league in carries, second in rush yards, but hasn’t made it pay off. Only two rushing touchdowns on the year. Waiting for him is Rodick right. Thank you very much. You’re quite welcome. Well, third down coming. Jaws said that they’d like to establish the line of scrimmage. Tero would like to see the line of scrimmage. No idea. You know, we know what yard it’s on. And also it’s blocked by Keith Trailer who’s been playing kind of like the nose tackle. Keith is 6’2 340 and he has been a load inside. He’s a plugger and right now he’s disrupting the interior of that Steelers offensive line. Very fast moving half. Third and one at the 24. You’re in field goal range, but any kick is also dicey on this surface. Rothberger will throw on third and one again. Flush. It is hung on to for the first down by Hines Ward. There’s a penalty marker in the secondary. Will Allen had the coverage, but this might be on Pittsburgh for pass interference. Let’s see. It is offensive pass interference number 83. The offense, the 10yd penalty. Third down on the go-to guy when you get down towards the goal line. Heath Miller, the tight end. There is no question the go-to guy for Ben Rothllessberger is number 83 Heath Miller in this area of the field. You see right there Heath Miller trying to get his release. That was a bit shaky. They called a pick play. What you offensive guys always refer to as a rub. Rarely do you see it called as a picked thus offensive pass interference. And that’s what they called it. That is correct. And you can see Joey Porter was jacking up Heath Miller on that play. They’re going to become very good friends at the end of this day because Joey Porter plays over Heath Miller all day as a strong side linebacker. Both Pittsburgh penalties tonight have cost them first downs. So on third down, Rothllessberger trying to escape but cannot. Quinton Moses, the rookie out of Georgia, comes up with his first full sack. He has a sack and a half. And Porter right there leading it along. It’ll be fourth down. You mentioned Porter on that. Reporter told us last night that one of the things about Ben Rothosberger is he will hold on to the ball too long trying to make a play. Jos, well, there’s no question Ben is one of those young extend the play mobile kind of quarterbacks. He won’t normally stay in that pocket very long. He’ll look to the primary receiver, not necessarily go through his progression because he’s had such great success outside the pocket. Joey Porter knows him as well as anyone. From their own 36. From here, a field goal will be 53 yards. This is one of the hardest stadiums to make field goals in in the NFL. So, it’d be a punt situation no matter what. It is kicked by Sepulva. Fair caught by Gin at the 10 and Miami takes over with a long field and 205 to go. We should point out that uh Miami is still in the game which is not something that’s happened all season long. This is a draw is a perfect scenario for them so far and right now there’s blood in the water. You know, they could smell it right now. Hey, they’re going to probably go into this thing, you know, no score at halftime. The weather has helped them. The elements have played to their favor. They’re in good position right now for an 0 and10 football team. Well, a lot of people like to say of Miami that for an 0 and10 football team, they’re pretty good. Yeah, they’re the best 0 and10 football team in the league right now. And they’ve lost five games by three points each. So, they’ve been close, but if you got to win, you have to win. That’s right. That’s right. You have to win. First and 10, Miami at its own 11 yd line. Jesse Chapman is the back. He gains three yards to the 14. Dolphins from their own 14. Miami tonight. 18 plays, two first downs, and John Beck’s throw is looks to be hung on to by David Martin, the free agent acquisition out of Green Bay. It’s the biggest play of the night for the Dolphins. And a first down. And if David Martin would have been able to stay on his feet, he would have scored. He got behind the Pittsburgh secondary. Ball was slightly underthrown by John Beck, but he is wide open. Breakdown in the Steelers coverage and he did hold on to it. Tony, we’ll see you at halftime. That’s good with Mike. I’m going to go down the locker room and see if I can talk to Ricky. Bring him on to PTI. No game for Jesse Chapman. Stopped by Casey Hampton on the play. We have a scoreless first half in Pittsburgh. You’re wondering when the last time that happened. Uh, it has been quite some time. Not just limited to the regular season. It’s been almost 52 years. Wow. Chicago Cardinals 1955. That postseason game in 72 against the Raiders. The immaculate reception. Second and 10 Miami. Back to Justin Peele. He’s knocked off his feet by Tyrone Carter. Gain of just a couple. James Frier’s nice pressure forcing it out again. Carter in for Troy Palamalu. Peele has a career-high 22 receptions on the year. Miami holding on to their timeouts and in no hurry to force the issue. I agree with you. I’m I’m a little bit surprised. I think you got to take a couple shots here. Now those third and eight right now, but you got to believe Cam Cameron the way things have gone this season to take a 000 tie into halftime on the road in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. He’s happy to have a tie at halftime. Beck hit as he throws. Incomplete. He took a shot again from James Farrier. It’s fourth down. The clock stopped because of the incompletion with 6 seconds left. Beck making his second start, his first one last week in Philadelphia. And he does have some toughness. You see Frier bearing down on John Beck. He looks down the gun barrel and delivers the throw. You’re going to get hit. Welcome to the National Football League. John Beck in his second start. He has shown some toughness. I went to that tape last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. They bring a lot of heat. He took some hits, kept getting up and fighting. If you’re running out the clock, run the ball with pass play and stop it. I I agree. Oh, and the press or pressure pressure coming up the middle from Lawrence Timonss. The ball is down and the half comes to an end. The second scoreless first half, second one in the NFL this year. Third quarter set from Saggy Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hinesfield. Susie Calber, Michelle Too on the sideline. Mike Tico, Tony Cornheiser, Ron Jorski in the booth. And as you see as the half was going on, they started to line the field every five yards without numbers. And the band that came to play halftime, their big thrill, they got the chance to play at the Monday night game in Pittsburgh halftime. They didn’t do their performance on the sideline. They were not allowed to come out and march there at the half. So, as they continue to take another moment to get the field ready for this third quarter, let’s check what the coaches have been talking about. Down to Michelle Toyoya first. Mike, I spoke with Cam Cameron just a minute ago coming out of the locker room. I asked him about Ricky Williams status. He said he wasn’t sure. The trainers hadn’t confirmed anything, but it looked like Ricky was going to be okay. As far as the rest of the game, he said, “We’re battling. We’ve battled all season long. Now, what we have to do is we have to finish the game. That’s something we haven’t yet done this season. Where can they do that?” He’s happy with the plays John Beck has made. He said, “But if our receivers make a few of those catches, this is a whole different ball game. We got to catch the football.” Michelle, this a team, the Dolphins, at 0 and 10. Five of their 10 losses have come by three points or less. So, they have been close at times, but they’ve also gone through different changing periods here with Trent Green injured and then four games of Cleo Lemon starting and now the second start for John Beck. And the key word, Mike, was finish. You have to learn how to win in the National Football League. Then it becomes a habit. Jeff Reed to kick. Kick coverage has been a problem for the Steelers. Ted Gin couldn’t field it cleanly on the bounce. Takes it from the 11. Sloshing his way through that area where the tarps were and he’s out to the 31 yd line. Susie has the update on the Steelers side. Well, Mike, you know, the calling card of this Steelers team is being physical. And Mike Tomlin was most upset last week that they didn’t do that against the Jets. He thought the Jets were the more physical team. Tonight, he said that’s not the problem. He feels in that sense they’re playing fine. But overall, he said it’s just tough out here. We’ve got to be able to sustain drives. Way too many penalties. He said that’s the toughest thing. But you’ll never get a coach to say conditions are a problem. As he said, it’s the same for both teams. Their penalties, although not voluminous, were penalties that erased first downs and kept Pittsburgh from getting into the red zone on one occasion. As a matter of fact, there hasn’t been a snap in the red zone for either team tonight. Truly a game played between the 20s. Tackle made by Tyrone Carter. Let’s Ron, talk about those field conditions that Susie alluded to. Well, they are horrible right now. It’s like a quicksand out there. If you’re the quarterback, look what you have to drop in. You got water up to your ankles and mud. Very tough to throw the football with those conditions. Check. If you’re a lineman, you’re driving, you’re sloshing, you’re trying to get to the quarterback. And look at this. Pretty much your feet sink about 3 in down into that. I guess you could call it mud, Tony. I guess that kitty litter you said they threw down hasn’t helped as much as you hoped, huh? That shot was of Jesse Chapman. Fifth year man of Eastern Washington remains the bat as Beck throws to Gin. Ted Gin the catch stopped and try to make a move on to Shay Townsen. It’s out to the 47. That’s enough for a first down and a pick up of 15 yds. Nice job by the design of this play by Cam Cameron. Basically eight-man protection, twoman route. You can see the hook over the middle wasn’t there. And John Beck does a great job of coming back to Ted Gin Jr. Nice stem at the top of the route. Pushed to Shade Towns and deep. Came back to the outside. Gave a nice passing lane for John Beck. Well executed offensive play by the Dolphins. [Applause] That again completes this time to Marty Booker just across midfield and into Pittsburgh territory. Here are the numbers from the first half. The Dolphins have just crossed midfield for the first time tonight given the 71 yards in the first half. Pittsburgh not a heck of a lot better at a buck 12. And you see it’s been long fields for both teams. Pittsburgh the better of field position but has not done much with it. You know guys, here’s John Beck who’s played six quarters plus two minutes against two of the toughest defenses to play on the road against Philadelphia and Jim Johnson and what they do with their confusion and Pittsburgh and what Dick Leavau does with his zone blitz of confusion. No sacks, no picks. I know he hasn’t been spectacular, but he’s not made the big mistake. Second and six. Chapman running hard to the left on a first down brought down by Larry Foot for the gain out to the 40 yd line. Back to back, covered deep, passes high, but hauled in for the first down in a gain of 14 by the tight end, David Martin, Mike, I believe that Jaws is smelling victory for the Miami Dolphins, aren’t you? Well, you know, I really thought going into that half, it’s 000. They they they smelled some blood in the water. You know, they’re hanging in there, hanging in there. Now, they’re coming out. Look at how aggressive they are in this second half. If they actually win this game, does that mean that the 76 Bucks, do they pop beer cans somewhere? Cuz they still have their record pristine record at the 26 yd line. Chapman slips and falls, was not touched, so gets back up and loses a yard. James Harrison star when we were here last Monday night, three weeks ago, made the play. You know, Chapman, guys, has lost some of the spotlight because of Ricky Williams. But here’s a guy who was out of football for a couple of years in his own regard, but his story was weight problems. He backed up Leanian Tomlinson in San Diego. Actually had a 100yard game in Tomlinson’sstead four years ago. Then ate his way out of the league, traded to Miami. They never played him to New Orleans. They didn’t play. Ballooned up to 280 lbs. Kan Cameron knew from the San Diego days. He was the offensive coordinator there. Got himself back in shape. And here he is with an opportunity after Ronnie Brown’s out with a knee injury. Bet looks left, throws it away. Two receivers on that side and four defenders. So he lives to see third down. Tough to eat your way out of the NFL. Most of the time they’re having you at the training table trying to bulk you up. You you eat and you work hard, Tony. Nor you’re down in Miami, too. How can you gain all that weight down there? It’s heat, humidity. But again, back to that last play. Nice design by the play. Changed the launch point for John Beck. No one was open downfield. did the judicious thing with the football. Throw it away, live to play another down, fight another day. You know, Miami brought in a new kicker and Jay Phely for a Lindo Mari to have somebody who can kick in bad weather conditions. They right on the edge of field goal range here on third and 11. Let’s see what Beck does. Throws underneath. It is deflected and it’s caught by Chapman. That’s going to end up losing four yardds and making the field goal about 48 yds. Brett Kasel was the man who got his hand up there. Chapman had to catch it because who knows who would have gotten their hands on it. And we’ll see what Cam Cameron does. What do you think, Jo? Go for a field goal here. No points can win. The conditions are horrible to kick the football right now. I can’t imagine, you know, Jay Feeley being able to plant that foot without it sliding away and it could be a low kick, get it blocked. I think they’re doing the right thing here, taking a shot. In fact, I wouldn’t even be surprised. Uh, you know, a quick pooch punt here. I don’t know if John Beck has that in his repertoire. So from the 31 yd line, Beck will take a timeout here. Fourth and 15. Terrible towels waving. Steeler defense getting the fans charged up as the rookie quarterback John Beck will face fourth and 15 at the Steeler 31. Marty Booker Ted Gin bottom of your screen. Booker came in short motion. Steelers bring five. Bring back down. Larry Foot and James Farrier, the inside backers meet at the quarterback. A loss of nine. Pittsburgh takes over at the 40. John Beck did not have much of a chance. You’ll see number 50 James Frier just leap over Jesse Chapman for the sack. Chapman’s got to be able to stick the shoulder in there and hold up foot. No chance for John Beck on the play. Running backs in the National Football League must be able to block if they want to stay on the field on third down. Obviously, Chapman did not do a good job there. Maybe you could have used that 280 lbs there. Tony Farriers had a huge night. So has Foot. Farrier has nine tackles. Foot’s had a couple behind the line of scrimmage. And Ralphlessberger and the Steeler offense take over for the first time at their own 39 yd line. Willie Parker dances to the left, gets to about the 46 yd line. Let’s give him a gain of seven yds. And a Joey Porter Channing Crowder combo tackle. Excellent patience there by Willie Parker. In fact, they’re on a part of the field where it looks where you’re going to get pretty good traction. Most areas of the field, you can see the mud in the water. Looks like Willie Parker could get downhill in a hurry in this area of the field. If you can get a first down, you’re going to get to the second best area on the field to operate. Parker runs left, only going to gain a yard. Jason Taylor’s over there to make the play. That’s true about the second best area on the field, but you’re going to have to traverse some of the bad areas of the field eventually if you ever hope to score a single point and win this game. Traverse. Is that like go over? I just want to be sure you get that exactly right. Parker’s going to come out in this third down situation. You know, we saw Jason Taylor. We talk about the homecoming for Joey Porter who played here in Pittsburgh. Truly a homecoming for Jason who was born in Pittsburgh, homeschooled, played high school football for one year at Woodland Hills High School. Said when he was growing up here, he couldn’t get a Steeler ticket. So he didn’t come to a lot of games as fan as a fan, but loved watching the Steelers. Third and three and Rothllessberger’s throw is complete for a first down right across midfield to Hines Ward. Mark it at the 48 and keep this drive alive as Ward makes his fifth catch of the evening. on the verge of an offensive explosion now. Gaining yards three and four at a time. They move the chains. Hines Ward in the slot right here. Good position right there. Andre Goodman on the coverage. Hines very good possession receiver. Can feel the coverage. Find the weakness. Find the void. Settle down. Ben Rothllessberger and him see the field with the same eyes. Parker runs right. And now they’re into the best footing available out to the right here at the 44 yd line as Parker tested it to the outside. Gain of five. And once again, if you’re just joining us, Susie detailed it so well earlier. They put a new layer of sod on top of the old grass surface as all the high school games and Pittsburgh Panther games and Steeler games, seven and 11 days came to an end. Only the Steelers play on this field the rest of the way. So, at significant expense, that new side was put in after the Pittsburgh Panthers finished their game late Saturday afternoon against South Florida. And the crews have been working. They did a good job. Just the rain was poor timing and made this a really tough set of circumstances. So, there’s Porter again, one of those misdirection plays, Mike, and Joey Porter with his speed and his quickness, as you said, comes from the backside. When the field is like this, you start pulling linemen, Joey Porter reads it quickly. He’s quicker than the lineman getting away onto the play side and Joy does a great job of diagnosing the play and making the play. Porter has played well as you see tonight. That interception came on the opening drive. It came in Dolphin territory. As a matter of fact, six possessions in a row. Pittsburgh has taken it into Miami territory and done nothing with it. behind [Applause] Cedric Wilson in motion. The corner blitz is picked up by Naj Davenport. Ben got away from the first blitzer, but not the second rush man. Who is Jason Taylor? Will Allen’s initial pressure forced it. Taylor cleans it up. And the Dolphin defense has been very good in third down situations tonight. It’s been a problem lately for Rothberger. There were four sacks on him with Cleveland. The Jets got him seven times and Jets only had nine sacks in the whole season before that and now Miamiy’s getting to him. Well, you know, once a blueprint is put in place. Will Allen coming off the edge the pressure is kicked. Ted Gin says get away. Perfect for SOA, it spins sideways out of bounds from the six. First and 10 for John Beck. Jesse Chapman is the running back. The game is one. Forced to take another timeout. medical staff gave Chapman as much time as possible, works him over to the sideline. Patrick Cobbs 11 carries in his NFL career as the running back and a drop by Marty Booker. Now, let’s go back to the hit on the first down pickup by Chapman. Anthony Smith, second year out of Syracuse. Wow, a shot right there on the hand it looks like. So Ricky Williams was hurt in the first half after his six carries from 15 yards. Ricky has not returned to the bench. Chapman being looked at. Patrick Cobbs who did not carry the ball at all last year. 11 carries, 37 yards this year. He is the last healthy running back for Miami. Deck sack. And that’s going to be part of the problem as Aaron Smith combines with Larry Foot on the sack with all of Pittsburgh’s pressure. A running back to pick up some of this heat is so important. What are you thinking if you’re Cam Cameron? Okay, you have no running backs left. You lost Ronnie Brown earlier in the year. You lost Trent Green, your handpicked guy, early in the year. Clemon couldn’t win any games. You get to a point where maybe you can possibly win a game and it just, you know, everything that can dissolve on you seems to dissolve on you. You’re a first year head coach in the NFL and you’re 0 and 10. You’re 0 and 10. Nothing you punch in works out. Third and 16. It’s on the Miami 11. Beck looking for something. Throwing the deep ball. Incomplete. The coverage by Ike Taylor. Marty Booker going down the field. Larry Foot the pressure. The Dolphins have only picked up one of eight third downs. Here’s what Cameron said. We asked him the other day, “What is this like?” He said, “You don’t plan it this way. I guarantee you and I don’t recommend it.” 0 and 10. Nothing works. And Marty Booker on the double move and Ike Taylor just waiting for it. And John Beck just trying to make a play, trying to throw it down the field. Maybe get an interference call, but trying to make a play. It might have been if picked a play and worked out just as well as this punt. Brandon Field struggled earlier. Got the wet ball away. Alan Rosam going to let it go and it looks like it’s on a T. If you tee the ball up, you couldn’t put it any better. Steelers seven possessions. All seven have started in or advanced into Miami territory. They haven’t scored. Willie Parker left picks up a block from Alan Fano. gains nine and a half as he’s taken out of bounds by Derek Pope who’s in the game for the first time. Pope was in the hospital Saturday night for undisclosed reasons. Didn’t feel well. Went to the hospital, traveled with the team, did not start and is playing. Excellent block by the tight end Heath Miller on Jason Taylor. Allowed Parker to get to the outside. Willie 62 yds closing in on a 1,00 yd season on second down. Parker Channing Crowder waiting for him and a first down picked up at the 34 yd line. Pittsburgh at seven and three trying to maintain outright possession of the lead in the AFC North and trying to stay within a game of the Indianapolis Colts and trying to get the number two seed. As you look back, Jacksonville and Cleveland have separated from the group Tennessee’s really shocking loss to Cincinnati. Not that they lost, but how badly they lost as dropped the Titans a game back in the AFC wildard chase. Parker, good patience. When they talk about the patience of a running back, it was on display there to the 27. The game was eight. And this is what we expected. We expected Willie Parker to dominate this game. And the Dolphins are dead last against the run. The Steelers are a great running team. Even though in the last two games there are some small questions about Willie Parker. 42 yards two games ago, 52 yards the game after that. George, you expect you expect him to go well over 100 tonight, right? Or especially against a team whose foundation is the power running game, as Mike Tomlin like to say, a violent running game. That’s what the Scooters need to get back to after runs of nine, five, and seven. Parker gains a yard plus and that should take him right to 1,000 yards. So Parker’s the second running back this year to gain 1,000 yards in the NFL. And it’s the third straight year he’s gained 1,000 yards. And for undrafted running backs, the only other to do it three consecutive years, Priest Holmes of Kansas City, who earlier this past week announced his retirement after a couple of game comeback with Kansas City. Priest Holmes who ironically shared the back field at the University of Texas with Ricky Williams at the end of there Austin Dave. Six degrees of separation. We play that in the booth on 000 games and the Steelers in a very bad part of the field right now. Third and one. Nay Davenport is in and he is stopped. So a decision here for a field goal would be about 44 45 yds. What a game Joey Porter and Will Allen are having. And they’re going to try the field goal. You have to try it. You You’re in a position to take the lead. Of course, anything could happen with the conditions like they are right now. As I said a moment ago, this is one of the worst areas of the field they are in right now. You actually see the water, the mud, actually where the ball will be placed by Danny Soldova is a pretty good spot, but where the ball is being snapped looks very difficult. With the play clock running down, kicking to this open end of Hinesfield has always been tough. Jeff Reed for the game’s first points. No good. Not even close. Start the fourth with John Beck throwing incomplete. Intended for Marty Booker. The Dolphins are without Jesse Chapman and Ricky Williams. Their top two running backs out with injury. Tony, you guessed nine years going to break. Wow. Did you peak? No, I didn’t peek. Yes, you did. Where? Yes, you did. I know you. This is the second time in 20 years that a game has been scoreless after three quarters. September 20 of 98, the Eagles and the Cardinals. That game ended Arizona 173. The quarterbacks in the game were Jake Plamer and Bobby Hoy. Did anybody later play with Ricky Williams? Give me a second. Third six. Pressure picked up. So there’s time for bet. Is there a receiver open in the middle? Yes, it is caught for the first down by the tight end or rather that is Marty Booker. Booker with the grab. A lot of chatting going on for no points being scored. It’s at the Pittsburgh 43. That’s the same play that we broke down earlier in the game. They’ve run it three times thus far. The Dolphins are going to their maximum protection. Eight offensive linemen backs and tight ends stay in the block. Two receiver route. You’ll see it open up right there. Marty Booker makes the catch. You got a post coming over the top. hold that safety and hook up Booker right there. And they’re going in max of protection to give Beck time in the pocket. Good play design. First and 10. And here comes Patrick Collins out of North Texas in his second year. The third string back gains a couple of yards in front of James Far. Well, John Beck is older than Ben Rothllessberger. Six months older. As a matter of fact, Beck is the first to reach a 100red yards here on the night. Short passing has been the way, but through seven quarters, no interceptions against the Eagles and Steelers on the road. Yeah, and I thought John Beck in our production meeting yesterday, he showed great maturity, leadership, and understanding what it was going to take to be successful at this level. Tony, I was very impressed. I know. It sounds like you wanted to take a vacation. Love the guy. It was great. 100 yards. First to 100. Brady’s to 100 yards in two plays. Flag is down from the 40. Beck tossing the deep ball. Marty Booker slid on the way out. No chance to get there. Let’s check the penalty marker back at the line of scrimmage. Taylor and Anthony Smith. Jeff triplets. Illegal shift. Offense. The line was going down as the man went in motion. Never getting set. Five yd penalty. Still third scri second down. Well, it’s the first time they’ve gone early on to go get a quarterback in the draft since the Marino days. So, they put a lot into Beck who’s too high for Ted Gin and that pass is incomplete. And what have they done? And why has this impacted the team? Because they’ve really been deeply in search for Marino. Draft picks are gold in this NFL of the salary cap. So, you never want to use them and throw them away. Well, with nothing to show for it, the guys on the left, except for Cleo Lemon and Trent Green. Green on IR. Look at the draft picks in the last few years. they have traded to try to find the next quarterback here in Miami or the stop gap short term. Yeah, the best way to go is to draft a guy that you believe in. So you’ll have the man for 8 to 10 years and that’s what the Dolphins believe they have in John Beck right now. He has to get the team to the 32 for the first down. It’s third and 13. He’s getting time to throw and it is caught by Booker at the 25 yd line for a first down. So Beck with a good throw and Booker gets Miami its deepest penetration of the night. The game was 21. Once again, excuse me. Great job by Beck of waiting in the pocket. Now again, they went sevenman protection. Only three receivers out, a half field read for John Beck. Once again, we’re seeing a very simplified game plan attacking areas of the field. Be a great story, honestly, if Beck draws a touchdown pass and they win the game. It is a great story. It isn’t just the mighty Steelers at home and you got an 0 and10 team. They got them on the ropes. It’s It’s not only the mighty Steelers at home. The Steelers, I believe, are 5-0 at home this year on Monday Night Football. I think they have not lost in their last 12 appearances. Correct. The Steelers are also coming off a game in which they lost to the Jets and got chewed out by their coach and vowed that such a loss would not happen again. You lose to a 1-8 Jets team and come back and lose to an 0 and10 Dolphins team at home. That would be terrible for the Steelers. Be devastating. Terrible. Second and eight. Patrick Cobbs running looking for room. Cobbs is at the 19 yd line. From here, it’s about a 37 yd field goal. Here’s Michelle on the sideline. Yeah. Well, Cobbs is still in there and they’re they’re going with this with him on this drive because Jesse Chapman is questionable with a neck injury. Remember that Ricky Williams went out in the first half and I asked Cam Cameron about him at halftime and he said he’ll be okay. Plus we’ve got Chapman and we’ve got Cobbs. Well, now they’ve just got Cobbs. Mike Cobbs who went to camp with the Patriots as an undrafted college free agent in06 was traded by New England to Pittsburgh on September 1st and waved by the Steelers a week later. Never had an NFL carry until this year. Third and five. Going to try to throw. Beck gets away and the pass is incomplete. But that was a good survival play. And now let’s see will they go with Jay Feelely for a 38 yd field goal attempt. Well, they’re going to have to attempt a field goal here. But in that particular play, James Frier came in clean. The Dolphins had the screen set up nicely. John Beck was not able to set the screen because of Frier. You’ll see Frier right up the middle on what they call the Fire X in Pittsburgh, the hallmark of their defense. And you’ll see because of the pressure, he was not able to get the ball. Beck was not able to get the ball to Patrick Cobbs. One of the reasons they let Alinda Marie go is to get Jay Fely, a bad weather kicker because the Dolphins play games in the Northeast in the winter in their division. He kicked with the Giants for a couple of years. This kick for the first points of the night from 38 yds. Flag down. Flag down before the kick. Flag down before the kick. So the block did not happen to the snap. delay of game. Offense 5 yd penalty scale fourth down which is going to help them. I I’m actually thinking the same thing, Mike. They get a better spot on the field. They’re because they’re out of the kitty. They’re on some actual grass. I’m trying to figure out what you’re pointing out that area where you see the line of scrimmage. It of course is 7 and 12 yds back for the snap. Yeah, you can see right in there, Mike. That that’s the worst part of the field right there. I mean, you can see it’s mushy. Their their feet are going down a good 3 in into the ground. And for a place kicker, I that’s the worst spot on the field. And now they’ve brought the offense back on. So if he was trying to explain to Cam Cameron, I’ve got better footing back here. I’ll be better. He said, no, I don’t want to see another disaster. Let me take a shot at fourth and 11 from the 25 yd line. Two receiver out once again. That kick ball out recovered by Pittsburgh. Aaron Smith comes up with the recovery. Mr. Monday night on defense this year. James Harrison knocked it out. No score. Fourth quarter. Willie Parker runs left. Games three. Channing Crowder the tackle. Susie Calber the report. Well, do you think Joey Porter’s replacement the Steelers defense wanted to have a great night tonight too? And here’s why. James Harrison is described by his linebacker’s coach as Mike Tyson in pass. He packs an incredibly powerful punch in just a short space. And he really knows how to use his leverage. Mike Harrison had three and a half sacks and forced fumbles. Multiple forced fumbles when we were here three weeks ago for the Steelers win over Baltimore. Roughlessberger’s throw is caught by Cedric Wilson. That’s a Steeler first down at the 43 yd line as we spin down toward 10 minutes and the Steelers not huddling again and the rain comes down again. I like the change going to that speed offense. No huddle. Get the tempo going. [Applause] Parker trying to run wide away from Jason Taylor who forced out that way and Joey Porter showed him the sideline. A loss of about three yards. Well, how late do you have a scoreless game going into the fourth quarter? About 5 minutes in where we are right now. Some perspective on how rare what we’re seeing is. Uh this would be a replacement game. I believe in October of 1987. It was the Giants at the Bills. So it’s been 20 years and not with true NFL players since we’ve seen 50 minutes of football and no score. [Music] Rlessberger everything long was covered. Parker short got a nice block from Cedric Wilson to allow him to get to the 48 yd line. Channing Crowder has been busy. He made the tackle. Yeah, good job by Willie Parker just gaining enough yards to get into a third down and manageable situation. Again, the Steelers going with their sugar huddle, lining up with the line of scrimmage. Ben in the shotgun, very proficient in the shotgun formation with an empty backfield. Rothlessberger, who’s only missed on two passes tonight, but everything’s been short. An exchange of Jason Taylor over to that defensive left offensive right side working on Willie Palone. Hines world the catch. First down poi and brought down by Michael Lehand but a good gain to the 38 yd line of the Dolphins. An excellent job by Ben Roberger. Surveyed the field saw the rush coming off the edge. It was a fiveman rush. Immediately got the ball out of his hand. Good job by Ben Rothberger seeing the field clearly. 20 years since the last one, Mike. 20 years since 000 this late. A replacement. This game feels like 20 years. We’re moving up on 25 years right now. Tony, we’re past the 20 year mark. Nay Davenport in the game. Runs to the left. Got a good block from Alan Franica who was pulling and gets out for a gain of about five yards to get to the 34 yd line of the Dolphins. This is what I expected. I believe we expected after meeting with Mike Tomlin on Saturday. This style of Steeler football is coming to life late in the game. The violent running game. We’ve seen field goals have been a problem. The winds are swirling at this point. It’s hard to say one team is going into the wind. It appears there’s a little bit of a helper for Jeff Reed right now if there’s a field goal attempt to come. Parker dances to the left. Another play by Joey Porter. Everyone followed by a stare back to the Steeler bench and a boo from the crowd. Two minutes ago you had the Dolphins having the Steelers on the ropes. Now you’ve announced that this is the Steeler football. a heavyweight fight. This is a heavyweight fight. Back and forth. Back and forth. This is what you got to love about football, Tony. No matter what the rest, it’s a heavyweight fight with both guys missing on every punch. In the 54th scoreless minute, third and five. Feel like I’m a broadcaster for soccer. Out of the pocket. Chased down. brought down by Vonnie Holiday back at the 42 yd line out of field goal range. The Steelers must punt. So it’s nil nil on the pitch right now. Joss, you’ll see this the Dolphins in there creep. Look, creeping up near the line of scrimmage. Vonnie Holiday stays as contain on the outside. Sees Ben break the pocket. There’s Holiday with the sack. This is an 0 and10 football team, Tony. They haven’t won a game all season. You got to love the effort for field position. Seovva though to Gin Ted. Fair catch at the tip. Four sacks for the Dolphins tonight. 25 years ago, December of 1982, the snowplow game was New England and Miami. Last time a game went this long without a point scored at 410 of the fourth quarter of that game, John Smith and the Patriots kicked a field goal. Won three nothing. Dolphin fans remember that pass to Marty Booker. gain of a yard in front of Ian Taylor. Both defenses encouraged by their efforts tonight. The perspective on this Dolphin team before 1940, you had teams that played a two or three game season with no wins. So, you have to really go to 1940 to say full season, lose every game. four times in that short stretch and then the 1976 Buccaneers. The Dolphins at 0 and 10 are trying to avoid becoming the second team in the last 63 years to go an entire season and get no wins, lose all of their games, I should say. Beck surveying a lot of coverage receivers and he’s sacked by Brett Kasel. Another BYU alum. Third and 12. Throwing from down here to Justin Keel, the tight end. No gain. Tyrone Carter. Both defenses aided by the weather have done a quality job tonight. What was what was the number of of where was the score in the snowplow game? Because I want to know once we pass that, what’s next? At the 410 mark, I believe the guy’s name was Mark Henderson, the work release out of cleared it off. Cleared out loud. Cleared it off. John Smith and the Patriots who picked the field goal against the Dolphins. We’re going to hit that milestone soon. You’re going to have another number for us. I know. There’s a whistle here. And will it be a penalty on the Dolphin? Yes. False start number 82 in the offense to the goal. Pull down. You know, we focus so much on the punters, the guys handling the balls. How about the snappers here tonight? John Denny, the ball is wet. The umpire does the best job possible to keep it dry. But here with less right at the full 15 yds to snap it, you got to make a perfect snap to fields a rookie. And Allan Ross, one of the more decorated kick return men in the history of the league, is back to return. Time out. I don’t know if one of the teams called it or not. No, no, that judge came. Thank you. What was that? Just resetting the clock to 423. It continue to spin down. Good snap. Fields. Not much wind help. Ross backpedaling at the 47. Splashes his way left. Is brought down at the 42 yd line. Time now to recap the scoring in tonight’s game. There’s your recap. I’ve seen this before when Don Larson pitched a perfect game in the 56 World Series, I think. Z, do you know if the if the 20 yd line was the goal line tonight, it’d still be scoreless. We haven’t had a snap in the red zone. Wow. Even though all nine Pittsburgh possessions have started in or advanced into Miami territory. Is this the game all those defensive purists just love and fantasy football owners despise? My goodness. Rlesburgger to Parker. Gain of a couple. because of the sloppy turf here for Susan. Well, I can’t emphasize enough just how brutal the conditions are and especially for the big guys because it’s almost as if they’re playing in quicksand watching them come off the field just to lift their feet as an effort and all those big divots in the new side. I thought we were supposed to see stuff like that in polo, not in the NFL. Watch the coaches between series just trying to replace some of these huge, huge pieces of sod. So staff and this work on the field many hours continuing to do that here through the night. Second and eight fans booed the run. Rafllessberger a throw and it is caught by Hines Ward. Red zone alert. Michael, I was just going to say the 19. First down. Seventh catch for Ward on the night. I think you want to be careful here because if you’re the Steelers and you score, you don’t want to give the Dolphins too much time to score. Huh, Jos? That’s right. You got to work the clock here. It’s a nice throwing throw. Hines gets those numbers down to the ball. 57 minutes, no points. Willie Parker spins to the 10 yd line. Michael flag back at the line of scrimmage. Could this be a hole? Oden flag number 83 the offense 10 yd penalty still first down second flag on Heath Miller one happened for offensive pass interference and Mike Tomlin asked who is it on 83 your tight end you’ll see Heath Miller right there number 83 blocking on Jason Taylor you can see him grab the jersey and wrestle him to the ground he’s had some great blocks on Jason Taylor tonight that time he got caught holding Tony’s enjoying these updates and Steve Hurt who handles all these stats for us passing along December 1st 1974 Tony now we’re back to that was the last we’ve passed that already 49ers and Browns I I’ll give you the next one in a minute good every snap brings another record [Applause] second down first down again Robertsburg to Ward tackled by Cameron Warell at the 22 yd line we’ll have second down coming up here we go Tony here’s the update we got latest scoreless into a game 3 in 63 years. Well, we’re going to go all the way to the end now. That was the final score. 64 years since we’re past November 7th. I’m old. I wasn’t even born then. That’s a long time ago. I’m proud to be part of history. Well, that finished 000 with no overtime. So, if we do go to overtime, it will be the longest scoreless game in the history ever because they had no overtime at that point. I think that game was played at Bridge Stadium in Detroit from the 23. Second and 14. Blitz picked up. Rafflesburgger Ward’s the man here in his last couple of drives. Ben got most of the penalty yardage back. The Steelers will have third and oh about three yardds to go for a first down. Rothllessberger’s hit 17 of 19 passes. Third and about three yardds from the 12 yd line for the Steelers. At the two-minute warning, Miami only has one timeout left. Roughberger swings it out. It is caught by Willie Reed. His fourth catch of the year is a first down inside the 10 at the sixyd line with a minute 50 yet left. Rufflesburgger has hit his last 15 passes and Pittsburgh will try to punch it in. Just outstanding job by the Steelers here anticipating the blitz from the Miami Dolphins. Get the ball quickly to the outside to Willie Reed who takes it up for the first down. Bruce Aryan’s offense putter. Good design on that play. Got a big first down. Willie Reed is only active because San Antonio Holmes is out. Hasn’t played since the Seattle game in week five. First and goal for Pittsburgh. Ben almost fell. Keeps his balance rolling and throwing. Knocked down by Joey Porter. Second down coming up with about 13 left. Parker incomplete. Very strange call in this situation, you know, especially Ben moving out to Joey Porter’s side. He’ been very very effective today. Joey Porter, he may almost gets another interception right here as you’ll see Ben fakes the run, then comes up throwing and Joey does get a hand on the football. But when you know, Tony, you don’t want to leave too much time for the Dolphins to go back there. Exactly. Because they’ve been a juggernaut the entire game. I need to tee up on that one. Thank you. Wilson and Washington. Nate Washington come to the bottom. Hines Ward to the top in short motion. Second and goal from the seven. Parker runs to the right. He’s stopped there at the five. And we have third down now. See what Pittsburgh will do. First thing they’ll do here is stop the clock. A timeout is taken, I believe, by the Steelers. Just to be clear, Miami called a timeout. They’re out of timeouts. They’ve lost five of their 10 games this year by three points or less. That’s already a franchise record. And with Pittsburgh at the Miami 5, they’re in Jeff Reed’s field goal range even on this difficult night. Johns, what are you thinking here play-wise knowing Miami is out of timeouts? Well, playwise irrelevant. I think you want to set up Jeff Reed with the best possible turf to kick the field goal from, which would mean run the ball to the left or Ben maybe drop back two feet to his left. Set him up right between the uprightes on some good turf. Maj Davenport is the back. They will throw. Ben is pressured. Gets away from one and will go down on the right side at the sixyd line. That’s questionable. That’s questionable. I he almost lost 12 yds on the play. Should have. Well, the one thing about a throw there, if he did throw it, it would have stopped the clock if incomplete and given Miami more time. Now Pittsburgh will let it run down to about 20 seconds. Well, you can see right there, the ball dangling away. I mean, only mistakes can happen there. Only bad things can happen when the quarterback is being attacked by three Miami defenders. Bonnie Holiday right there almost gets a hand there, knocks the ball away. I would think what you’d want to do with that play is make sure that when you lined up to kick a field goal, you were in the driest possible conditions so that you could assure your field goal kicker when he planted wouldn’t slip. Nice hair on Jeff Reed. Wow. You see Jeff’s history here in late second situations. A timeout was taken by Pittsburgh with 14 seconds left. And here’s Susie to talk about the kicker. Yeah. Well, in the break before last, Mike Tomlin was frantically searching for Jeff Reed. Wanted him up and ready to go. Has the confidence that even in these conditions, he he can make the kick. But Reed told me any kick tonight was going to be an adventure. He had walked down the whole middle of the field. Has called it a quagmire. Especially any place between the 25s. At this point though, any place on the field. He said his strategy was to try to take smaller steps, but it’s not like he isn’t used to this. He said in his six years here, the field has always been an issue. He thought it couldn’t get worse, but it has tonight. This will be an adventure. Greg Warren will be his uh snapper number 60. And during the whole timeout, Warren was working the area from where he’ll snap from. Cam Cameron has no timeouts to freeze Reed, so there’s no thought of that. This is a 24 y. The clock has properly been reset to 20. And Pittsburgh goes for the first points of the night. This is far from a gimme. This is not a chip shot. The holder is the rookie punter Daniel Sepulva. [Applause] Snap. Good. Hold. Good. Kick. Good. Eureka. 17 seconds left. Three nothing. Ted Gin is back. You would expect a swift kick that will be hard to feel in this wet turf. There it is. Will it get all the way back to Gin? Yes, it will. Well, it was going to, but instead it was picked up. Now, they start lateraling to Gin, who’s brought down at a very good Anthony Madison play to bring him down at the 31 yd line. Let’s take you back to the game-winning or the game first points. That should be the game-winning kick. [Applause] Rothlessberger watching a night when his stats were very good. I know the short pass is 18 of 21. Mike Tomlin knew it was going to be a physical game. Asked his team to be physical, saw them get into Dolphins territory all night. Reed, whose only miss was from 65 yds coming into tonight, missed earlier in the bad conditions, makes it there. 13 seconds, no timeouts for the Dolphins. John Beck throws it. See if it’ll start the laterals. Here goes Stanford Cow Play, which happened 25 years ago. Marty Booker throws it to the quarterback Beck, who couldn’t pick it up. With two seconds left, the game is not over, but we have penalty markers probably for an illegal forward pass. [Applause] And that will end the game. This will not be the first scoreless game since 1943. So, if there are living members of the Giants and Lions who played in that game, they’re probably having champagne right now. You’re going to need some champagne when we get out of here. You bet. The game should be over with that illegal forward pass. Let’s check with Jeff Triple. Illegal forward pass number 86 of the offense. That penalty is being declined. Second down. Second down. Pittsburgh 8 and3. Cleveland 7 and four will be the story. As long as Pittsburgh is not see a miracle happen here. So it would give the Steelers that oneame lead in the division. Two seconds left. So it’s just just a decline penalty there. The clock does not restart. They’ll have one more chance to do it again for the Steelers. This is a beautiful win. Let’s launch it again. The pass is completed first to Patrick Cobbs. Looks for somebody to throw it to. It starts with the offensive line. Rex Hadnot. Back to LJ Shelton. Oh, and shouldn’t have fallen down. Well, he fell down and slipped. It was pitched back. The play was stopped there at the 44 yd line. So, the game is over and the final is Steelers three. Dolphins nothing.

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