You could argue that, if anything, the Steelers should have thrown more in the 2nd half, given that the Bengals had no answer for Ben and were selling out to stop the run to boot after halftime.
We let them make a bit of a game of it by NOT passing more (although, as noted, we pretty much accomplished our goal on every drive, whether that was scoring points or killing the clock).
I think the amount of running was OK, considering the game situation. First drive of the second half (up 21-6), was a 12 play 7+ minute drive. Seven designed runs, two intended pass plays resulting in scrambles by Ben, and three actual passes - two completions and the INT.
second drive (up 21-13) - 11 plays, 6:48 TOP. 5 passes, 5 runs, FG. You could say we got a little conservative when we got in FG range (last three plays all runs), but a FG puts us up 2 scores, and Ben had just thrown a pick in scoring range on the previous drive. As much as I love Ben, I can see taking the ball out of his hands in that situation (plus you can't take a sack there).
third drive - (up 24-13) - six runs + kneeldown. 3+ minutes, game over. All runs, sure. But if they can't stop the run in that situation, why take a risk? Both third downs were 3 or less for the first down. No problem running there.
I did like the stats at halftime that showed the Bengals only had 3 possessions in the 1st half.
They only had three possessions in the second half also. Talk about ball control and keeping their weapons on the bench.
