The Steelers’ overtime win over Tampa Bay wasn’t a work of art, but it was a win, 26-19, and it enabled them to claim a share of first place in the AFC North. With Cleveland beating Baltimore 13-10, the Steelers, Browns, and Ravens are all 4-2, with the Bengals, who were idle yesterday for their bye week, at 3-2.
Chris Boswell kicked four field goals, including a 58-yarder in the fourth quarter to tie the game, and a 20-yard chip shot with 1:21 left to put the Steelers up 19-16 with 1:21 left. That was after former Buccaneer Jamel Dean intercepted rookie quarterback Jaylen Daniels returned it to the 3-yard line. The Steelers could not punch it in from there, though, and settled for the field goal, allowing Daniels to lead a drive to tie the game on a 52-yard field goal as time expired.
In overtime, Aaron Rodgers went 7-of-8 passing for 87 yards on a 12-play, 70-yard drive, hitting rookie Germie Bernard for a 6-yard touchdown, with Bernard reaching over the goal line with the ball as he was being tackled. The Steelers’ defense then shut down the Bucs’ offense, with Jaylen Ramsey sealing the win with a sack of Daniels on fourth down.
Rodgers was 33-49 for 253 yards with the touchdown pass to Bernard and a first-quarter scoring toss to Darnell Washington. DK Metcalfe and Bernard each caught eleven passes, and rookie cornerback Daylen Everette and veteran corner Dean both picked off passes for the Steelers. Jaylen Ramsey had nine tackles, four of them for a loss, and two sacks.
Boswell’s second field goal of the game was the 310th of his career, passing Gary Anderson for first place on the Steelers’ all-time field goal list.
Coach Mike McCarthy, who was limping throughout the second half after his foot was stepped on in the second quarter, was proud of the effort, and of the turnout from Steelers’ Nation.
It was the Steelers’ first win away from Acrisure Stadium, and McCarthy said it was a significant step forward.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was happy to get the production out of second-round draft pick Germie Bernard.
Rodgers says the win was a big one for the Steelers, because 4-2 sounds a lot better than 3-3.
The Steelers are scheduled to play this Sunday in Paris, France against the New Orleans Saints, and despite weekend demonstrations that brought half-a-million protesters out to object to the high cost of living, the NFL says the game is still on. You can read the text of a statement by the NFL with this story on our website. The Saints’ regular home, the Superdome in New Orleans, is available to host the game if needed.
New Orleans won their game yesterday, 34-27 over the New York Giants. The Saints are 2-4.
STATEMENT FROM THE NFL
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday. We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”
NFL
Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts has been placed on injured reserve with a blood clot in his calf. He will miss at least four weeks. Philadelphia has lost four straight games.
