With the game on the line, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert's name was called on fourth and goal and he delivered.
The third-year wide receiver, who was acting as WR2 with Brandin Cooks on Injured Reserve, almost didn't get to be on the field for the high leverage play after being shaken up on third and goal by being hit in... well, I'll let Cowboys left guard (and swing tackle) explain it.
"It was miraculous, JT (Tolbert) literally sprained his f---ing nuts, excuse me, sorry guys - sprained his nuts the play before," Smith told reporters postgame. "Then comes back, makes the game-winner. Unbelievable."
I gotta tell you, that's an all-time quote from Smith and it only makes the wild moment even better. The fact that he apologized only to double down on it by simply removing the F-bomb was perfect coming from the offensive lineman.
For those who didn't realize when watching live, Tolbert exited the game after Mike McCarthy's timeout to think about the Cowboys' fourth and goal play-call. If it hadn't been for Mike Tomlin calling a timeout of his own, Dallas would've gone for it with Jalen Brooks and the debuting rookie Ryan Flournoy at wide receiver. But the Steelers head coach called his final timeout and it gave Tolbert enough time to re-enter the game to make the game winning catch.
As for Smith himself, he had a remarkable performance as well. It's not easy to go from left guard to left tackle in the middle of a game and don't miss a beat. He made it look easy, channeling his inner Larry Allen in crunch time.
"It was sudden, obviously unexpected, but we've got to be ready for anything," Smith said about his play at left tackle. "It's like Zack (Martin) always says all the time, 'when your best is needed, play your best."
