By: Jared Villani @JVillain10
SteelerNation.com
In pursuit of their 10th straight win on the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team that gave them quite a bit of difficulties just a few seasons ago. Despite the Jaguars putting the first points on the board in this matchup with Chase McLaughlin converting a 41-yard field goal, it was all downhill for them afterwards.
The Steelers have been able to rely on Chris Boswell for many years now and while he hasn't been perfect, he continues to be a very reliable source of points when his name is called upon. A 44-yard field goal from Boswell gave the Steelers a level playing field with the Jaguars to tie the game at three points a piece.
Pittsburgh's defense proved to be the difference maker in this matchup and made for a very long afternoon for Jacksonville's offense. The ability to force numerous three and outs on the Jaguars gave the Steelers offense ample opportunities to get points on the board.
Ben Roethlisberger likely didn't realize exactly what the Steelers were getting when they drafted Chase Claypool, but the rookie pass-catcher can down right play and it's inevitable each week that he will make plays. This matchup against a porous Jags defense was no different as Claypool reeled in a 31-yard touchdown reception giving the Steelers their first lead, 10 to 3 over Jacksonville.
.@ChaseClaypool is always open
???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/lW22Y7zAAD— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 22, 2020
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has proved time and time again why trading this year's first round pick for him was nothing short of a brilliant move for the Steelers front office. Fitzpatrick turned the tides on what appeared to be a promising drive for the Jaguars and picked off a pass intended for tight end Tyler Eifert.
Fitzpatrick's interception gave the Steelers offense another opportunity to get more points on the board and while the bulk of the damage came via the hands of Diontae Johnson, it was the bruising power of Benny Snell Jr. who mailed it in on this drive with a one-yard score. The Steelers continue to roll, 17 to 3 over Jacksonville.
If the Jaguars offense were to learn anything in this matchup to this point, it was simply just do not pass the ball to Eifert as Terrell Edmunds got an interception of his own on a ball intended for the tight end. With the first half coming to an end, the Steelers had nothing to lose which led to Big Ben throwing a pick of his own before time expired in the second quarter.
The Steelers offense toned down after their dynamic finish to the second half, settling for Boswell to further cushion their lead with a 47-yard field goal after a combined six punts between the two teams. Steelers leading 20 to 3 over the Jaguars with the fourth quarter approaching.
Pittsburgh's defense kept their foot on the gas and made Jacksonville quarterback Josh Luton's day an absolute nightmare as Terrell Edmunds' ball-hawking ability was on full display today with his second pick of the game. Big Ben wasted no time delivering the dagger on the Jacksonville mistake as he found tight end Eric Ebron for a 20-yard touchdown connection. Ebron's touchdown gave the Steelers a 27 to 3 lead over the Jaguars making things look very bleak for the Jaguars with the game coming to an end.
Right on target ????@Ebron85 | ???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/zd1FBAYciJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 22, 2020
After an incredibly dominant display by Pittsburgh, Minkah Fitzpatrick delivered the final nail in the coffin with his second interception of the day and capping off an overall impressive performance by the Steelers with this game being over nearly as soon as it started.
Pittsburgh Week 11 Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 267 Yards Two Passing Touchdowns
James Conner 13 Rushes 89 Yards
Diontae Johnson 12 Receptions 111 Yards
Terrell Edmunds Two Interceptions Four Tackles
Minkah Fitzpatrick Two Interceptions Five Tackles
