The end of the Steelers’ season brings the end of an era, as Big Ben Roethlisberger closes out his career with a 42-21 loss to Kansas City in the AFC Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes threw five touchdown passes and led the Chiefs to touchdowns on six consecutive possessions as the Chiefs shrugged off a 26-yard TJ Watt fumble recovery for a touchdown in the second quarter that gave the Steelers a 7-0 lead. Mahomes answered on the next three Chiefs possessions, with touchdowns to Jerick McKinnon, Byron Pringle, and Travis Kelce to close out the half with the Steelers down, 21-7.
Mahomes threw for 404 yards against the hapless Steelers defense. Roethlisberger was 29-of-44 passing for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the Chiefs were just too good.
Big Ben says the Steelers were plagued again by another slow start.
TJ Watt says the Chiefs are a very talented team.
Big Ben finishes his career 13-10 in playoff games, with two Super Bowl championships and another Super Bowl appearance. His final career touchdown pass was to James Washington, a 15-yarder with 7:36 left in the fourth quarter. It was his 36th career postseason touchdown pass, which places him seventh on the all-time list.
Ben says he is looking forward to life away from football.
JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to the Steelers lineup after having had shoulder surgery in October. The wide receiver caught five passes.
Smith-Schuster is one of fifteen unrestricted free agents on the Steelers roster. Other starters on the list are tackle Chuks Okorafor, guard Trai Turner, cornerback Joe Haden, safety Terell Edmunds, wide receivers Ray-Ray McCloud and James Washington, and tight end Eric Ebron.
