Steelers End Losing Streak…Bright Future Ahead?

After a complete blowout against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, the Pittsburgh Steelers came back ready to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching a close 20 – 18 victory in a field-goal-driven game at Acrisure Stadium. Even amid all the Steelers’ injuries, the defense was able to hold off Tom Brady and the Bucs.

To start off the game, Kenny Pickett, Steelers quarterback, was able to lead the team down the field to throw his first passing touchdown of his NFL career. He threw a short pass to Najee Harris, Steelers running back, for a 6-yard touchdown to start off the game, 7 – 0. The Bucs were able to answer back with a 30-yard field goal by their kicker, Ryan Succop, ending the first quarter, 7 – 3.

Shortly into the second quarter, Succop was able to capitalize on his second field goal of the game–a 27-yarder to put the Bucs within a one point game at 7 – 6. Chris Boswell, Steelers kicker, barely made his 55-yard field goal attempt after it hit the bottom of the goal post and bounced through the uprights. This widened their lead, 10 – 6.

Once again, Succop kicked his longest field goal of the game, 54-yards, to put his team within one point going into halftime, 10 – 9.

Coming back from the half, Steven Sims, Steelers wide receiver, had an 89-yard kick return to put them in great scoring position. Unfortunately, it ended in a 25-yard field goal kick from Boswell to put them up, 13 – 9. The Bucs answered soon after with a 24-yard field goal to shorten the deficit once again to 13 – 12.

Unfortunately, Pickett was tackled hard to the ground and was removed from the game halfway through the third quarter. He did not return due to a possible concussion.

Mitch Trubisky stepped up and filled his quarterback shoes, having a really good fourth quarter. He was able to march down the field and throw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Chase Claypool, Steelers wide receiver, to lead 20 – 12, making it an eight-point game.

That did not frighten Brady. He quickly led the Bucs to the Steelers Redzone and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Fournette, Bucs running back. In order to tie the game, Brady attempted a 2-point conversion, but was not able to complete the pass.

The Steelers were able to run out the clock and end their four-game losing streak.

Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, mentioned in a postgame interview, “We are appreciative of today, but we still understand exactly where we are…We aren’t running away from it, we will continue to run to it and get better.”

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