Steelers notebook: LB Jones stands out in loss to Patriots
Linebacker Jarvis Jones keeps hearing he isn't likely to get another deal with the Steelers. And that he hasn't been the impact player everyone imagined when the Steelers made him their first-round pick four years ago.
On Sunday, no one dominated the game like Jones. He consistently tormented New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder and harassed quarterback Tom Brady.
He single-handily blew up the Patriots' first second-half possession. He twice outmuscled Solder to cause holding penalties, one that was wiped out when he chopped down Brady for no gain.
Jones, who finished with seven tackles, has struggled to keep 14-year veteran James Harrison from limiting his snaps. This time, the Steelers couldn't keep him off the field. He established his dominance on New England's first play from scrimmage as stripped the ball from wide receiver Chris Hogan and recovered the fumble at the Patriots' 45-yard line.
Brown excels despite injury
Antonio Brown finished the game with a game-high 106 receiving yards on nine catches.
He did this despite bruising his thigh in the second half. He said the injury occurred after he made a catch and someone “kneed me in the quad.”
Brown came to the sidelines and briefly went to the locker room but came back into the game. He came out for good in the final minute and was met by coach Mike Tomlin, who gave him a little talk and a pat as he came off.
“Anytime I'm out there, even if I'm not 100 percent, I always want to give my teammates my best,” Brown said.
When asked how his leg felt afterwards, he said it was “boomin.”
Brown's 100-yard game was the 28th of his career. His next 100-yard game will tie Hines Ward for the Steelers record with 29.
It was his second career 100-yard game against the Patriots. He had 133 yards in last year's season-opening loss at New England.
A smart argument
It seemed like much to do about nothing when Darrius Heyward-Bey vehemently argued that a punt downed at the Steelers' 6-yard line should have been ruled as a touchback. After a review, the officials agree with Heyward-Bey, giving the Steelers the ball at the 20.
Heyward-Bey's persuasive argument altered the Steelers' strategy in the final 1 minute, 47 seconds of the first half. The Steelers appeared prepared to settle for a 14-7 deficit before they were given room to explore more of the playbook.
Running back Le'Veon Bell sparked a scoring drive with three receptions that covered 39 yards. Then, tight end Jesse James caught a 10-yard pass to set up Chris Boswell's 32-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 14-10 at halftime.
Indeed, little things matter. Heyward-Bey's insistence enabled the Steelers to hold to the momentum they gathered after falling behind 14-0.
Shazier eases back into lineup
Linebacker Ryan Shazier started but didn't appear to be at full strength. He split duty with Vince Williams, who started the past three games while he nursed an injured knee.
Shazier said afterward that his injury isn't why he sat for much of the game. Clearly, defensive coordinator Keith Butler is trying to ease him back into action.
“The coaches just decided that they wanted to rotate us,” said Shazier, who had only two tackles. “So. that's what we did.”
Quick hits
Antonio Brown's 51-yard reception in the first half was the longest play New England surrendered all season. ... Landry Jones' 14-yard touchdown pass to Heyward-Bey was his first since a loss at Kansas City last season. ... Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed only the third extra point of his 11-year career after a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski midway through the third quarter. ... Chris Boswell missed only three field goal attempts last season but already has missed three in seven games, two of those against the Patriots.
Ralph N. Paulk is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib.
