Despite missing several starters due to suspensions and injuries, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger put everything on his shoulders to lead the Black and Gold to a 38-16 romp over the Washington Redskins.
Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opening victory. Wide receiver Antonio Brown was a human highlight reel as he hauled in eight catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Brown was targeted 11 times.
Starting in place of Le’Veon Bell, running back DeAngelo Williams answered the call as he ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
After taking a 6-0 lead in the first quarter, the Redskins were outscored 38-10 the rest of the way. Everything that could go right, did go right for the Steelers.
With the Black and Gold up 7-6 and on the three-yard line, Roethlisberger threw a bullet intended for wideout Sammie Coates. Coates couldn’t get a hand on it and the deflection land right into the arms of Eli Rogers who scored his first career NFL touchdown. It was simply right place at the right time for the Steelers Monday night.
Prime Time: Pittsburgh is 4-1 when opening the season on a Monday night. The Black and Gold sports a 44-24 record on Monday Night Football which is the third-best in the NFL behind Seattle (23-6) and San Francisco (47-25). Steelers coach Mike Tomlin improved to 11-2 on Monday nights, including 6-2 on the road and 2-0 at Washington.
Monday Blues: The Redskins have now lost 15 of their past 16 Monday Night home games.
Next Opponents
Pittsburgh: The Steelers will welcome the Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) in its home opener on Sunday. The Bengals held on to beat the New York Jets 23-22.
Washington: The Redskins will have another shot to pick up their first victory at home as they host the Dallas Cowboys Sunday. Both teams will be looking for their first victories of the season.
