In what is now the franchise’s largest fourth-quarter comeback since 1992, the Pittsburgh Steelers overcame a 16-3 deficit in the final 15 minutes to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime, giving them a 4-2 record and their first win streak of the season.
After scoring 30 points in two of their last three contests and showcasing a consistent ability to move the ball, Pittsburgh’s offense was nonexistent through three quarters. Pittsburgh had five three-and-outs and were 5-of-15 on third
downs while being limited to just three first half points. However, the offense found life in the fourth quarter.
Trailing 16-3, Aaron Rodgers and Germie Bernard led Pittsburgh down the field on an eight-play drive that ended with a Darnell Washington touchdown. Daylen Everette then picked off Jalon Daniels, which led to a Chris Boswell field goal after an eight-play drive that only accumulated 24 yards for Pittsburgh. The Steelers forced a Buccaneers three-and-out which led to a Boswell 58-yard boot to tie the game. Then, Pittsburgh’s defense seemed to potentially seal the game. Jamel Dean picked off Daniels and was shoved out of bounds inside the five yard-line. The Steelers, though, couldn’t punch the ball in the end zone. Rodgers tired to find Washington, but the pass was broken up. A stuffed Jaylen Warren run and an incomplete jump ball to DK Metcalf brought out Boswell for his fourth made field goal of the day.
That left over a minute on the clock, though, for the Buccaneers, and Jalon Daniels was able to get enough yards to bring on Chase McLaughlin for his fourth field goal to tie the game at 19 and send it into overtime.
The Steelers lost the toss and the Bucs deferred, but Pittsburgh would take full advantage of having the ball first. Rodgers led the offense on a 12-play drive that featured a 3rd-and-13 conversion on a completion to DK Metcalf, who had 11 catches on the day. The drive would culminate with Bernard reaching the end zone for his first career touchdown to put Pittsburgh on top 26-19. After one fourth-down conversion on the Bucs’ ensuing drive, Tampa Bay faced 4th-and-8. Patrick Graham dialed up a Jalen Ramsey nickel blitz, which worked all the way back in the fourth quarter, and it worked again. Ramsey came off the edge untouched and recorded his second sack of the game to seal the win for Pittsburgh.
After failing to score a touchdown in the first three quarters, the Steelers scored every time they touched the ball in the fourth quarter and overtime, save for the kneel-down to end regulation. In the process of the comeback, the Steelers may have found their permanent one-two duo at receiver going forward. Both DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard hauled in 11 receptions – the rest of the Steelers’ offense combined for 11 receptions. Rodgers finished the day 33-of-49 for 253 yards and two scores, as well as a first quarter interception.
The Steelers will now take their 4-2 record to Paris in Week 7 where they will take on the New Orleans Saints, who recorded their second win of the year by defeating the New York Giants.
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