Starring role for Snell as Steelers top Giants
Ben Roethlisberger did a very Pittsburgh thing in his return to the lineup, riding the Steelers’ defense and running game to victory.
Oh, Big Ben did plenty to help the cause. Roethlisberger, who missed the final 14 games last season after elbow surgery, threw for three touchdowns in a 26-16 win over the host New York Giants at an empty and eerie MetLife Stadium on Monday night.
The keys, though, were several defensive plays and the running of backup Bennie Snell, who rushed for 113 yards on 19 carries — his first 100-yard performance in his second NFL season.
“He is a quality player and one that is maturing and emerging, and one who answered the bell when called upon,” coach Mike Tomlin said.
The Steelers’ defense not only held Giants running back Saquon Barkley to six yards on 15 carries but also swarmed him all night.
Roethlisberger finished 21-for-32 for 229 yards has now thrown for 366 touchdowns, a franchise record, tying Eli Manning for the eighth most in NFL history.
Terrible timing for Colts’ Mack
Colts running back Marlon Mack will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured right Achilles tendon, with Jonathan Taylor moving into the starting role. Mack was hurt on a three-yard catch midway through the second quarter of Sunday’s loss at Jacksonville, and the timing couldn’t be worse for Mack. He rushed for a career-best 1,091 yards last season, averaging 4.4 yards, and he believed Taylor’s presence could help him post even bigger numbers ahead of free agency in March.
NFL irked over mask-skirting
The NFL reminded team personnel on the sidelines about the COVID-19 requirements for wearing face coverings, saying carelessness or disregard could put the season “at risk.” There were several games Sunday in which team personnel other than players did not use face coverings. Punishments for not following protocols have not been outlined but could include anything from fines to ejection from the sideline.
Jarwin done, Vander Esch out awhile
Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin (torn ACL) will miss the rest of the season, and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (broken collarbone) is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
† Saints receiver Michael Thomas suffered a high ankle injury against the Buccaneers but believes he can play through it, according to NFL Network.
† Jets running back Le’Veon Bell could miss a few weeks after injuring his left hamstring in a loss at Buffalo.
† Packers guard Lane Taylor suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Vikings.