ENIGMA SPORTS

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STEEL CURTAIN SHUTS THE DOOR

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Billy Cundiff's Six Field Goals and a Dominant Defense Crush Raiders 25-3

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PITTSBURGH, PA — The Oakland Raiders entered Week 8 hoping the bye week would provide answers.

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Instead, they left Pittsburgh with more questions.

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Behind six field goals from veteran kicker Billy Cundiff, a punishing defensive performance, and a methodical offensive attack led by Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers rolled to a convincing 25-3 victory over the Raiders on Sunday.

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The loss drops Oakland to 1-6, while Pittsburgh continues to prove it remains one of the AFC's toughest teams despite not finding the end zone often.

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Death By a Thousand Cuts

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This wasn't a game defined by explosive plays.

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It was defined by control.

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The Steelers dominated possession for nearly 39 minutes, held Oakland to just 180 total yards, and never allowed the Raiders offense to establish any rhythm.

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Every time the Raiders crossed midfield, Pittsburgh's defense slammed the brakes.

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Every time the Steelers offense stalled, Billy Cundiff delivered.

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The veteran kicker was perfect, connecting on 6-of-6 field goals, including a booming 52-yarder, accounting for 18 of Pittsburgh's 25 points.

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"That's winning football," one Steelers assistant said afterward. "Drive the field, take points, trust your defense."

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Raiders Offense Continues to Search

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The spotlight remains on quarterback Tyler Wilson, and Week 8 did little to ease concerns.

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Wilson completed enough throws to avoid turnovers, but finished with just 92 passing yards, as Oakland's passing attack struggled to generate anything downfield.

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The Raiders managed only:

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9 first downs

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180 total offensive yards

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3 points

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92 passing yards

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For a team already under scrutiny regarding its future at quarterback, the performance only intensifies the conversation.

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Owner Damion Black publicly backed Dennis Allen during the bye week, but the pressure surrounding the offense isn't disappearing.

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Not while results continue to look like this.

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McFadden Fights Alone

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One of the few bright spots for Oakland was Darren McFadden.

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The veteran running back rushed for 81 yards on 18 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt against a physical Steelers front.

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Unfortunately for Oakland, he received little help.

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The Raiders never found consistency through the air, allowing Pittsburgh to focus on stopping the run whenever it mattered most.

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Steelers Defense Dominates

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The true stars of the game wore black and gold.

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Linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Jason Worilds terrorized Oakland's offensive line all afternoon.

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Defensive Leaders

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LaMarr Woodley: 9 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks

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Jason Worilds: 8 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks

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Lawrence Timmons and company consistently collapsed the pocket

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The Steelers held Oakland scoreless through the first half and never allowed the Raiders offense to threaten after halftime.

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By game's end, the Raiders had possessed the football for barely 20 minutes.

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Unsung Hero: Vick Ballard

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While Cundiff grabbed headlines, running back Vick Ballard quietly provided balance for Pittsburgh's offense.

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Ballard rushed for 75 yards and the game's lone touchdown, helping keep the Raiders defense on the field throughout the afternoon.

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His touchdown run in the first half gave Pittsburgh complete control of momentum.

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The Bigger Picture

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The loss moves Oakland to 1-6, and with each passing week the franchise's quarterback situation becomes a larger storyline.

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Just one week ago, Dennis Allen spent the bye reviewing quarterback scouting reports and debating whether Tyler Wilson remains the answer.

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After Sunday's performance, that debate isn't getting quieter.

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Still, ownership has made one thing clear:

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Dennis Allen's job is safe.

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The mission now shifts from immediate results to long-term evaluation.

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Can Tyler Wilson prove he deserves to be the face of the franchise?

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Or will the Raiders enter the 2014 NFL Draft searching for a new leader?

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With the season nearing its midpoint, every snap matters.

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FINAL SCORE

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Pittsburgh Steelers 25

Oakland Raiders 3

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ENIGMA SPORTS GAME MVP

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🏆 Billy Cundiff

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6/6 Field Goals

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Long: 52 yards

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18 Points Scored

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"The Steelers didn't need touchdowns. They needed points. Billy Cundiff delivered all afternoon." — ENIGMA SPORTS

Owner Mode - Season 1 - Week 8