The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious from a tense showdown against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, winning 28-27 in a game that came down to the final seconds. This hard-fought victory, played at Northwest Stadium, saw the Steelers improve to a 7-2 record, further solidifying their position in the AFC North, while the Commanders dropped to 7-3. While the final score might suggest a close match, the ending was punctuated by a controversial, yet savvy, play that sealed the Commanders’ fate.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns throughout. Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, signed earlier this year, continued his impressive streak since taking the starting role, throwing three touchdown passes. Wilson connected with George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth for scores, and later found Mike Williams for a crucial 32-yard touchdown pass that ultimately proved to be the game-winner. The Commanders, meanwhile, relied on a strong ground game, with Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols both finding the endzone. However, their typically reliable kicker had an uncharacteristically shaky game, converting only one of his two extra-point attempts.
The turning point arrived in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. With the Steelers clinging to a one-point lead, they faced a crucial fourth-and-inches near midfield. Instead of risking a potential turnover on downs, Wilson lined up his offense and employed a veteran tactic: the hard count. The strategy worked perfectly, drawing the Commanders’ defense offside and granting the Steelers a crucial first down. This effectively sealed the victory, leaving Washington with no timeouts and insufficient time to mount a comeback.
The play drew strong reactions, particularly from the Commanders’ side. Some viewed it as an anticlimactic end to an otherwise exciting game, with the outcome hinging on a penalty rather than a game-defining play. For the Steelers, however, it was a testament to Wilson’s experience and in-game awareness. The hard count, while not flashy, demonstrated his understanding of the game situation and his ability to exploit the opponent’s vulnerabilities under pressure. Wilson’s leadership has been a key factor in the Steelers’ turnaround this season, and this win marks their third consecutive victory since he took over as the starting quarterback.
The Commanders, while undoubtedly disappointed by the loss, can still take away some positives. Their ground game remained potent, suggesting continued strength on offense. However, they will need to address their inconsistencies on fourth down conversions and costly penalties if they hope to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC East.
The Steelers’ win underscored the team’s resurgence under Wilson’s leadership and highlighted their ability to execute under pressure. While the hard count may not have been the most thrilling way to end the game, it showcased Wilson’s savvy and the team’s disciplined approach, ultimately delivering another win for the revitalized Pittsburgh team.
