The Pittsburgh Steelers got their seventh win of 2024 on Sunday as they upset the Washington Commanders by one point. The victory included a roller coaster of different emotions, as has come to be expected with with the Steelers. Pittsburgh scored first in the contest and went up 7-0 halfway through the first quarter, foreshadowing a great performance by the whole team. The next offensive drive, however, would be their greatest mistake of the entire game and gave the Commanders all of the momentum.
Pittsburgh's defense was on fire to open up the game in the first quarter. Washington's first two drives under quarterback Jayden Daniels both resulted in three-and-outs. The Steelers' immediate drive following the touchdown pass to George Pickens, they were forced to punt back to the Commanders just after three plays. On 4th and 15, Mike Tomlin called a fake punt, which they apparently had planned on doing all week.
Safety Miles Killebrew took the snap on the punt and attempted to complete a pass to backup cornerback James Pierre. Pierre dropped it, with no one in his vicinity, and set up the Commanders at the 15 yard-line, which resulted in a touchdown. The win for Pittsburgh likely erases any punishment within the organization for the questionable decision and lack of execution. Pierre gave his thoughts to the media after Sunday's win about the costly special teams mistake.
Before Pierre was able to speak, Tomlin confirmed that they had planned for a fake punt all along during their preparation for Washington. Luckily for Pierre, he, along with Ben Skowronek, was able to get some credit for recovering a muffed fumble by Washington later in the game. Pierre also had a crucial pass break-up filling in for injured Donte Jackson. Despite his brutal mistake early in the game, Pierre responded and finished the game strong.
Tomlin will be sure to rethink the next time he's considering a trick play. Special teams trick plays haven't particularly gone Pittsburgh's way, specifically when they attempted a fake field goal pass and Chris Boswell got crushed not too long ago.
Steelers Defense Shut Down Commanders Despite 27 Points Allowed
Pierre's dropped pass immediately set up the Commanders to score seven points and tie the game. Aside from that, Washington only got the ball into the end zone twice - once to finish the first half, and then to begin the second half. Daniels only totaled 207 yards though the air and ground, and was sacked three times. Pittsburgh's defense also only allowed 60 total rushing yards, while Washington was averaging over 160 per game prior to Sunday.
Pittsburgh had some shaky drives on offense, but the team continued to perform well in all three phases. The Steelers haven't had a combination of offense and defense this good in years. Now the team sits at 7-2 and first in the AFC North. Pittsburgh's win over Washington was a big statement to the rest of the league.
The Steelers showed on Sunday that they won't let the wheels fall off when a significant play doesn't go their way. A tough stretch for Pittsburgh comes up as they play four divisional games in a row. Their chances at winning the AFC North will become evident very soon.
