In a game in which almost everyone seemed to think Pittsburgh would walk away with an easy victory, the Jaguars made an early statement by kicking the Steelers in the teeth behind two touchdowns by rookie running back Leonard Fournette.
Pittsburgh was able to bounce back a little bit to close the gap to 28-14 at halftime and it looked like they might have a chance to get back in the game after watching Fournette limp off the field. The Jags running back was immediately marked as “questionable” but was able to come back and score another touchdown in the 4th quarter to help Jacksonville increase their lead.
The Killers B’s looked like their normal selves as Ben Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell were responsible for two each and Martavis Bryant added one. Roethlisberger ended up with 469 yards through the air and 1 int to go with the touchdowns. Bell had 67 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown on the ground, to go along with 9 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown through the air. Brown finished with 7 catches for 132 yards and the 2 touchdowns.
However, even a barrage of that caliber was not enough to slow down a Jaguars squad that was obviously craving blood. Blake Bortles added to the winning effort by throwing a touchdown to Tommy Bohanon with 4:19 left in the game. Bortles finished with 214 yards and 1 touchdown. The dagger came on a a 45 yard field goal by Josh Lambo with 1:50 left.
The Jaguars definitely made a statement against the rival. However, it may turn out to be a mercy killing as the prize for winning this game is a trip to play against New England on their home turf next weekend. If the same Jaguars team shows up next week though, we could be in for a game for the ages.