The Steelers narrowly defeated the visiting Denver Broncos, 26-21, in front of the empty stands of Heinz Field during Pittsburgh’s 2020 home opener. Broncos lost their chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter when Denver backup quarterback Jeff Driskel was sacked by Pittsburgh safety Terrell Edmunds during a critical fourth-and-2 with less than 2 minutes of game time. James Connor, Pittsburgh running back, then confirmed a Steelers victory with a 59-yard run.
Despite the close final score, the Steelers took a 17-3 lead at halftime. Pittsburgh outside linebacker Bud Dupree forced a fumble by Denver quarterback Drew Lock, setting up Connor for a first quarter touchdown. Lock sustained a shoulder injury in result of the play, forcing the Broncos to depend on backup Driskel for the remainder of the game.
In the second quarter, veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger connected with rookie receiver Chase Claypool for 84-yards, marking Claypool’s first NFL touchdown. Cornerback Joe Haden intercepted Driskel, allowing Chris Boswell to kick a field goal right before halftime.
However, momentum quickly shifted in the third quarter when Roethlisberger was intercepted by safety Justin Simmons, allowing Denver to put up a second field goal. Driskel then threw 20-yards to Noah Fant for Denver’s first touchdown. Denver closed the gap further with a successful 2-point conversion, again received by Fant.
Pittsburgh managed to keep the lead in the fourth quarter with Dionte Johnson catching a 28-yard touchdown and fullback Derek Watt tackling Denver punter Sam Martin in the end zone for a safety. Denver responded by recovering Pittsburgh running back Benny Snell’s fumble, setting up a 16-yard touchdown pass to Melvin Gordon. However, Denver’s hopes for a late game comeback were put to rest after Edmunds sacked Driskel on a fourth down.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, now 2-0 heading into week 3, will look to remain undefeated as they host the Houston Texans next Sunday.
Story by: Nathanial Rega (nrr5191@psu.edu)
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