Steelers Suffer 1st Loss of Season, WFT wins 23-17

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked to build upon an impressive season in hopes of reaching their 12th straight win as they faced an underrated Washington Football Team. This contest consisted of two Comeback Player of the Year candidates in Ben Roethlisberger and Alex Smith, but at the high-level in which Roethlisberger has been playing this season, he could be in MVP consideration as well.

After a back and forth first quarter summarized by six total punts between both teams, the Steelers found success on a 14-play, 72-yard drive lead by Roethlisberger. It’s been no secret that Diontae Johnson has earned Roethlisberger’s trust, entering this contest with a team-high 94 targets. Roethlisberger looked for Johnson relentlessly on this drive and got the Steelers on the board with a three-yard touchdown connection courtesy of No. 18. Pittsburgh leads Washington, 7 to 0 after Johnson’s touchdown grab.

The Steelers offense continued their aerial assault and all it took was one play for Roethlisberger to strike again. This time, it was James Washington making his mark on the game with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger. The Steelers lead Washington 14 to 0 with the first half coming to an end.

The Washington Football Team tried to answer back against the Steelers offensive success, but even with their best efforts, they were limited to a field goal after Pittsburgh’s pass rush made life miserable for Alex Smith. Kicker Dustin Hopkins’ 49-yard field goal put Washington on the board, trailing 14 to 3 as the first half concluded.

Stephon Tuitt and T.J. Watt’s pressure was the biggest takeaway on this drive with both getting their hands on Smith for a sack on two separate plays.

The Washington Football Team opened up the half with efficiency after a horrific first half on the offensive side of the ball. Smith lead the offense 82 yards downfield on 14 plays with running back Peyton Barber sealing the deal on the drive. Barber’s one-yard touchdown got Washington within seven points, still trailing 17 to 10.

After a long drive from the offense, Pittsburgh had to settle for a field goal as they turned to Matthew Wright with Chris Boswell sidelined. Wright made his lone field goal attempt of the game count, converting from 37 yards giving the Steelers a 17 to 10 lead.

Smith put the game in his hands as he led the offense downfield with J.D. McKissic and Logan Thomas being exclusively featured on this drive for Washington. After McKissic did the bulk of the work, it was Thomas that came up with a clutch 15-yard touchdown for Washington to tie the game at 17 to 17.

Washington leaned on Dustin Hopkins to manage the final minutes of this game, adding two field goals from 45 yards out to give Washington a 23-17 lead.

The Steelers could not get any momentum going in the fourth quarter despite looking as though they were in the driver seat for the entire game. The saying “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” reigned true as Pittsburgh led the entire game, but fell short when it mattered most.

Pittsburgh’s failure to get anything going on offense would be the nail in the coffin for them down the stretch as they would suffer their first loss of the season. It’s becoming more obvious, the only ones in the Steelers’ way are themselves as they often have difficulties playing to their full potential.

Ben Roethlisberger 283 Yards Two Touchdowns

Anthony McFarland 15 Rushing Yards

James Washington 80 Yards One Touchdown

Avery Williamson 9 Tackles