The Steelers made key mistakes, blew a lead then fell behind by two scores and still found a way to comeback and pull out the victory edging Washington 28-27.
People questioned the move to Russell Wilson, but it is becoming clear why he is playing. After a sluggish start, Russell Wilson turned the tide with a dramatic 32-yard TD pass to Mike Williams, capping a late-game comeback. Despite early struggles and several miscues, Wilson’s clutch playmaking and red-zone efficiency ultimately secured the win. His stat line was his worst of the season, he finished the game 14-28 with a 195-yards, three touchdowns and an interception. His biggest play of the day though, might be drawing Washington offsides on the last play to seal the game.
Jaylen Warren led the Steelers’ rushing attack with 66 yards, but a questionable fumble near the goal line threatened to cost them the game. Najee Harris, 100-yard game streak, struggled to find his rhythm. He did manage a 53-yard TD run to bring the Steelers within three points. Cordarrelle Patterson returned to action after an injury, contributing 14 yards on three carries.
Mike Williams made his one play count, with a game winning touchdown, less than a week after being acquired. He came in after Calvin Austin III was injured. George Pickens contributed with five catches and 91 yards, including an outstanding touchdown catch.
Cam Heyward stepped up with two big sacks. The defensive line, which struggled against the Giants, limited the Commanders to just 60 rushing yards and held super rookie Jayden Daniels in check all-day. Keeanu Benton made a crucial tackle for loss on a late quarterback run, and Larry Ogunjobi contributed with three tackles and a holding penalty drawn. T.J. Watt had a quiet day on the stat sheet, but he should have been credited with a safety after he was held in the endzone. Watt had two quarterback hits and Alex Highsmith had one on the play when he injured his ankle. Preston Smith, in his first game with the Steelers, had three tackles and a very big sack.
James Pierre dropped a huge special teams pass early in the game and was pressed into service on defense after Donta Jackson went down with an injury. He was continually targeted late in the game. He came up with a big pass breakup on Washington’s final drive. Damontae Kazee made the biggest tackle of the day stopping Zach Ertz short on fourth down.
The coaching staff had several questionable calls, but at the end of the day, the game plan was solid if not executed well. They clearly wanted to limit the Commanders running game and did that. The special teams splash play would have been legendary if Pierre executed. As Coach Tomlin often says, there is a fine line between making wine and squashing grapes. They almost were squashing grapes, but in the end made the plays they needed to win the game.
BEER WE GO, STEELERS BEER WE GO.
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Cam “Steelhead” Heyward, our leader and one of the greatest Steelers of all time. He chipped in two sacks and led the stifling of the Washington ground game. He also led the charge slowing down Jayden Daniels who was largely ineffective. Also Considered: Mike Williams for his first catch with the Steelers, a touchdown. George Pickens who had five catches and a touchdown.
Beer of the Game: This is tricky, so I started with Harp, one of my favorite beers and then switched back to Miller Lite when the Steelers were trailing by two scores. KGB went with Sam Adams Flannel Fest, she garnished with the cinnamon and the sugar rim.
“Steel the Snacks”: KGB went with Washington Apple, Grilled cheese sandwiches. Turkey, Cheddar and Apple with honey mustard and Muenster Apple and honey mustard.
My Stat of the week: Cam Heyward playing 203rd game, that is the most in Pittsburgh Steelers franchise history for a defensive player. He has been the very definition of a Steeler! Also Considered: The Steelers gave up 10 points in the third quarter, that is the first point allowed in the third quarter all season.
My Thoughts on next week: Raven’s Week! Clash of the titans as the Steelers battle the Ravens in Pittsburgh. Look for a physical bloodbath next week. As Coach Tomlin says, “Mr. Jackson is coming to town.”
Jersey of the Week: Franco Harris, #32 Salute to Service, in honor of Veterans Day weekend. I also wore my Franco’s Italian Army long sleeve shirt.