The Steelers have not yet clinched the AFC North title, but they are on the verge after their 29-24 win last night over the Lions.
In a highlight-filled game, Jaylen Warren ran for 143 yards and two 45-yard touchdowns, Kenneth Gainwell gained 128 total yards, including an incredible catch while sprawled on the ground, getting up to run into the end zone for another 45-yard touchdown, and the Steelers held off a Lions’ rally that went right down to the final play to win on the road in Detroit.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 266 yards and a touchdown for the Steelers, while the Lions’ Jared Goff threw for 364 and three scores. Goff thought he may have scored the game-winning touchdown on the final play after teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown caught a pass on the 1-yard line and lateraled it to the QB, who dove into the end zone. But the play was negated because St. Brown had shoved Jalen Ramsey off the coverage in the end zone, drawing an offensive pass interference penalty.
It was the 200th career coaching victory for Mike Tomlin, and it clinched the 22nd straight year since the Steelers have had a losing season.
Tomlin was thankful for the Steelers’ efforts.
Tomlin said he told the team after the game that he expects them back to work today, because it’s that time of year and there’s work to do.
Rodgers says it was a total team win.
Rodgers felt the Steelers could have done even better on offense.
Wide receiver DK Metcalf could be facing league discipline after an altercation with a fan in the first half. The NFL is reviewing the incident, which was not penalized. The fan claimed Metcalfe shoved him and ripped his shirt because he called him by his full name instead of “DK.”
Steeler injuries included cornerback Brandon Echols, with a groin injury. He did not play the second half. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III had a hamstring injury.
Second-place Baltimore lost to New England, 28-24, and the Ravens also lost quarterback Lamar Jackson again, this time with a back injury. The Ravens play at Green Bay on Saturday night and the Steelers play at Cleveland on Sunday afternoon. If the Ravens lose or the Steelers win, Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North. If the Ravens win and the Steelers lose, it comes down to the Steelers and the Ravens in Pittsburgh on January 4th.
