Breaking down the key Steelers moments in Monday’s loss against the Bills
Each week our SCU staff and contributors picks the “surprises” from the Pittsburgh Steelers latest matchup. Check out more below to see which plays and situations surprised us the most!
On Monday the Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to face the Buffalo Bills for their Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium.
The Steelers season concluded with a 31-17 loss. Here are some of the surprises from that game.
Opening Game Struggles: The Initial Drive
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a challenging start in their Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The opening drive, which usually sets the tone for the game, was lackluster for the Steelers. They managed only five plays for a total of 19 yards.
This slow start was indicative of the team’s performance throughout the game. The only notable play in this drive was a 16-yard screen pass from Mason Rudolph to Jaylen Warren. However, this early spark failed to ignite a sustained offensive effort, leading to an unsuccessful drive.
The Bills’ Strong Response: Knox’s Touchdown Reception
The Buffalo Bills, under Sean McDermott, demonstrated their offensive prowess early in the game. After the Steelers’ unproductive start, the Bills capitalized on their first possession. They covered 80 yards, culminating in a nine-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Dawson Knox. This play not only put the Bills ahead early in the game but also set the momentum in their favor, showcasing their ability to execute effective offensive drives.
Steelers’ Misfortunes Continue: Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
The Steelers’ struggle continued as the game progressed. Mason Rudolph, who had a crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy, completed an eight-yard pass to George Pickens, only for it to result in a fumble recovered by Terrel Bernard of the Bills. This turnover was a significant setback for the Steelers and a pivotal moment that allowed the Bills to extend their lead, further demoralizing the Pittsburgh team.
Bills Capitalizing on Steelers’ Errors: Converting Turnovers to Points
The Buffalo Bills displayed their opportunistic nature by capitalizing on the Steelers’ mistakes. Following the fumble recovery, Josh Allen swiftly connected with Dalton Kincaid for another touchdown. This ability to turn turnovers into points is a hallmark of a strong team and played a key role in the Bills’ dominance in this game.
Signs of Life From the Steelers: Johnson’s Touchdown
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers showed resilience. A glimmer of hope emerged when they blocked a field goal attempt by the Bills. Nick Herbig, a rookie linebacker, recovered the ball, leading to a drive that resulted in a touchdown by Diontae Johnson. This moment was crucial in keeping the Steelers in the game and showcased their potential to fight back against adversity.
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Halftime Adjustments: Closing the Gap
Approaching halftime, the Steelers managed to narrow the Bills’ lead. A successful 40-yard field goal by Chris Boswell brought the score to 21-10. This score was essential in keeping the Steelers within striking distance and set the stage for a potential second-half comeback.
Second Half Dynamics: Steelers’ Comeback Efforts
Coming out of the half, the Pittsburgh Steelers attempted to reverse the game’s momentum. They responded to a Bills’ field goal with a touchdown of their own. Mason Rudolph’s seven-yard pass to Calvin Austin was a critical play, bringing the score to a more competitive 24-17. This moment reflected the Steelers’ determination to stay in the contest and their ability to execute under pressure.
Bills’ Decisive Drive: Shakir’s Touchdown
The Buffalo Bills, determined to maintain their lead, answered the Steelers’ touchdown with a decisive drive. Josh Allen led a 70-yard drive, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown by Khalil Shakir. This play not only extended the Bills’ lead but also dampened the Steelers’ comeback hopes, showcasing the Bills’ offensive efficiency and resilience.
Rudolph’s Performance: A Potential Career-Defining Game
Mason Rudolph’s performance in this game was crucial for his career trajectory. Finishing with 229 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, Rudolph made a compelling case for his value as a quarterback. As he approaches free agency in 2024, this game could significantly impact his market value and future opportunities in the NFL.
Concluding Thoughts: Reflections on the Steelers’ Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season, marked by ups and downs, came to a close with this Wild Card round loss. Despite showing moments of brilliance, the lack of urgency and self-inflicted errors proved costly. This game serves as a reflection of their season as a whole and sets the stage for what changes and improvements are needed for the next season.
