In the closing minutes, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Commanders in Washington, D.C., to improve to 7-2 on the season.
Before the defense made a huge stop against the Commanders, Steelers QB Russell Wilson struck the recently acquired Mike Williams for the game-winning score in the closing minutes.
Both on the moneyline and the point spread, the Steelers were the game’s underdogs. With an unexpected victory, they moved into sole possession of the top spot in the AFC North, 7-3, alongside the Baltimore Ravens.
Fanatics Sportsbook lists Pittsburgh as +130 home underdogs in the Steelers’ crucial Week 11 battle against the Ravens on Sunday. Let’s first examine the Week 10 victory in more detail.
These are the three main takeaways from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders, which put them in first place.
Russell Wilson s still got it
When Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, returned the ball to Russell Wilson in the seventh, it created some criticism. With a 4-2 record, Justin Fields had done a great job filling in for the Steelers, but Wilson was selected since he was healthy.
The 35-year-old quarterback was viewed with skepticism both before and during this season, but he has been exactly what the Steelers have needed. In each of his first two games, he threw for more than 250 yards and three touchdowns. He was able to locate his receivers for three scores even though he didn’t gain any yards in this one.
George Pickens opened the scoring in the first quarter with a magnificent 16-yard reception in the endzone, giving the Steelers the lead. The Steelers responded with a reduced field after the Commanders tied it up a couple drives later. In the second quarter, tight end Pat Freiermuth took the lead again after scoring on a three-yard reception.
Wilson didn’t really make an impression, though, until the fourth quarter. Wilson and his running back were forgiven after Jaylen Warren fumbled the ball away on the goal line and Wilson made an incredibly unusual interception.
After the defense forced a three-and-out, Wilson found trade-deadline newcomer Mike Williams on a gorgeous play for a 32-yard score, and Pittsburgh moved 46 yards down the field. With just over two minutes remaining in the game, a bold play call was made on third and ninth.
Despite his interception, Wilson’s three touchdown passes helped him record his highest QBR of the season at 72.8, despite his final day completion rate of just 50% (14 for 28).
It’s still there for the seasoned quarterback, who turns 36 later this month.The current odds for Pittsburgh to win the AFC North are +150, according to Caesars Sportsbook.
Mike Tomlin s aggressiveness pays off
Though Mike Tomlin’s boldness paid off in Sunday’s victory in Washington, there have been numerous discussions over his time in Pittsburgh and if he has outlived his usefulness.
Early in the game, deep in his own territory, Tomlin pulled a fake punt out of his sleeve. Tomlin wants to maintain the pressure after his defense forced a three-and-out during the Steelers’ scoring drive.
The Steelers only gained three yards on a third-yard sprint, and Wilson was sacked after losing eight yards on first down. At their own 16, a 4th-and-15 situation cried out for a punt. It was the sensible thing to do.
Tomlin chose to go with the aggressive call of a fake punt, though. It was a hint that Tomlin isn’t scared to take chances, even though it didn’t work out because of a dropped pass that James Pierre had after the game.
Late in the game, as the Steelers tried to wind down the clock, Tomlin made yet another crucial choice. The Steelers had the ball at midfield and needed one yard to end the game after the commanders’ last timeout. In order to force the Commanders to commit a neutral zone infraction and finish the game, they lined up on fourth down and went with the hard count.
Not immediately line up to punt demonstrated the head coach’s philosophy, even though the Steelers may not have actually ran a play—something Tomlin was evasive about following the game.
Steelers set stage for huge matchup
Given their performance in recent weeks, the Steelers have shocked many people this season and might do so again. With the Ravens breathing down their neck at 7-3, they sit at 7-2. Keep in mind that Week 14 is the Ravens’ bye week.
This next Sunday, the divisional rivals will square off in Pittsburgh, with first place on the line. The Ravens started as three-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook, despite the fact that they were playing at home and had a 3-1 record at Acrisure Stadium.
After losing 29–24 in Cleveland a few weeks ago and starting the season 0–2, the Ravens managed to win by one point on Thursday Night Football.
Even though the Steelers are in first position, they are still huge underdogs to win the AFC North. While the Ravens are -300, you can get as high as +225 at DraftKings Sportsbook.