The Undefeated Dream Goes Down - Steelers 37, 49ers 16

I haven't felt this confused after a game in a long time. The final score makes it look like we got blown out. But the box score looks like it came from a game that should have come down to the wire. All in all, the Niners repped themselves pretty well on the road against an elite AFC team. I'm pissed we lost the game, but I think the team can hold its head high. Some are complaining that the refs pulled a screw-job on us, mainly around the absolutely AWFUL call on the pass to VD over the middle. While that was a game-changing play, you have to be able to overcome things like that on the road.

Anyway, let's move on to some of the key takeaways from today:
1) This game was lost in the trenches: Gore was bottled up (39 yards) and Parker had an absolute field day (133 yards). Roethlisberger managed to make some great drive-saving throws after defenders didn't bring him down. On the other side, Alex Smith was getting pressure all day and never looked comfortable enough to set his feet. Frustration is clearly building on that group, as Jennings and Allen got into it on the sideline. Hopefully they can clear up any issues and take that frustration out on the Seachickens next week.

2) Alex Smith played well amidst all the pressure and complex schemes the Steelers threw at him. The pick at the end looked like it was a miscommunication and not just a boneheaded throw. As an aside, everyone needs to stop bagging on Smith. He clearly has the talent to make the throws - he just has third-tier talent on the other end. Battle is the only guy that looks to turn the play upfield after making a catch. The team hasn't had a true #1 since TO left and absolutely has to get a stud wideout this next offseason.

3) Good to see The Disease get early touches. Need to keep that going. Hopefully his leg is ok after that nasty hit. Maiocco said a sprained knee in his liveblog of the game. Cross your fingers that it's just that.

4) Clements continues to look like he's worth every dime. Blowing up running plays, blanketing Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, and looking more and more like the emotional leader of that D.

Gameballs
Clements - see above.
Andy Lee/ Joe Nedney - Very solid duo. Lee averaged 57 yards per kick (!!) while Nedney continues to be Ol' Reliable no matter the distance or situation.

Goat(s) of the Game
OL - Unforgivably bad run blocking for the third week in a row. Gore needs an inch and they can't even get that.
DL - Some pressure applied on Roethlisberger but missed several chances to bring him down. Also got absolutely railed on the ground.

Ultimately, we're still 2-1 and atop the NFC West. The Ravens managed to survive a Kurt Warner-led rally (Leinart was benched) and the Lambs continue to look absolutely awful. The Seachickens are also not looking very impressive through 3 quarters against the Bengals. Regardless, next week's game against Seattle is an absolute monster. If we can sweep our division on the first pass, it would go a long ways toward getting in the driver's seat for the rest of the season. Today was a nice measuring stick but next week is a must-win.