Steelers Make Comeback in Second Half During Season Opener on the Road vs. Bills, 23-16

After a rough way to end the 2020 season with a devastating loss in the wildcard game against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers came back strong to win their opening season game 23-16 against the Buffalo Bills on their home ground, Highmark Stadium, despite the Bills having control of the ball for most of the first half.

To start off the game, Steelers kicker, Chris Boswell, kicked off to Isaiah McKenzie, in which he returned the ball inside the Steelers 25-yard line. The Steelers defense got very lucky and was able to hold the Bills to only a field goal. This was the only points scored in the first quarter.

Right at the very end of the second quarter, Bills quarterback, Josh Allen, was able to find Gabriel Davis, Bills wide receiver, in the end-zone. They were able to convert for a touchdown on third and goal to lead with a score 10 – 0 at halftime.

In the 3rd quarter, the Steelers were finally able to put some points on the board. They were not able to score a touchdown, but they were able to make it into field goal range. Boswell was able to make two field goals consisting of his 20-yard and 24-yard field goal attempt. He was able to connect on both of his attempts making the score 10 – 6 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the momentum changed in favor of the Steelers. Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, threw a pass to Diontae Johnson, Steelers wide receiver, in the end-zone.A minute later, the Steelers defense held the Bills to a fourth and twelve inside their own 25-yard line forcing them to punt the ball. The defense rushed Matt Haack, the Bills punter, and blocked his punt. Ulysses Gilbert, Steelers linebacker, was able to pick up the ball and run to the end-zone, scoring a touchdown making the score 10 – 20.

A few more field goals were scored by each team. This made the score 16 – 23.

The Bills tried an onside kick in hopes of getting another chance to score, but the Steelers were able to recover the kick which allowed the Steelers to run the clock out to win the game.

Coach Mike Tomlin states in his post-game interview, “It’s a great team victory. I’m appreciative of their efforts. Hopefully this is a sign of what we are capable of.

Story by: Carlin Whalen (cjw6426@psu.edu)