The slim playoff hopes that the Pittsburgh Steelers have were kept alive on Saturday evening as the franchise survived with a 13-10 win versus the Las Vegas Raiders on the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. Mourning the devastating loss of legendary running back, Franco Harris, the team's offense was inconsistent all night until the only red zone drive of the evening resulted in a touchdown with :46 left in the fourth quarter. The young core of the organization gave hope to all fans that are dying to be a competitive force in the AFC once again. Postseason chances have bumped up to 2% after being .7% heading into Saturday.
Mike Tomlin stares onto the field while on the sideline of the Steelers 35-13 loss at Philadelphia. | Photo credit - Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett had his ups and downs throughout the contest, but remained poised despite several mistakes which included an interception. Wide receivers, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens were dynamic in key spots and the offensive weapons were on full display as tight end, Pat Freiermuth and running back, Najee Harris also made big plays late in the game.
Pickett was 7/9 for 75 yards and a touchdown on the game-winning drive that ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to his fellow rookie, Pickens. There was magic in the air on an emotional night in which the team scored the same amount of points F. Harris' squad did almost 50 years ago to the day. Pickens spoke to the media after the game and was clear speaking about the win and why the ending was more special that normal:
"It was really tonight and how it played out, really made it feel special. See so much today that made it feel better than a normal win."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The first-year signal-caller backed up one of his favorite target's words and acknowledged that the team didn't only win for F. Harris, but it also felt like the legend was right by their side as they prevailed:
"It's an incredibly special night. Dedicated this game to Franco. We all wore his jersey tonight. It felt like he was with us tonight. Definitely on that last drive, you saw Najee making some great plays. So it was really special."
The final drive went for 10 plays and 76 yards as the young group of N. Harris, Freiermuth and Pickens all played key roles in an unexpected comeback. After not finding the end zone the entire game, a late, clutch and gutsy drive led to a win with the Steelers' backs against the wall. The defense deserves a ton of credit for continuously shutting down the Raiders offense and getting big stops, but the victorious drive at the end is just as impressive given the circumstances and inexperience on the offensive end.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 20: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Head Coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that some of the younger players took a big step forward during and after the win:
"As a collective, particularly some of these young offensive skill guys, I thought it was a grow up night for them."
This season might not end in a postseason berth for the Steelers, but there is no doubt that the final drive provides plenty of excitement for the future. Several different young players came up big in the important spots. The victory, which came in what felt like negative temperatures, marks the team's seventh of the season and if it is any indication of what the future may be, the so called 'rebuild' may not be as long as many expected after all.
Do you think the Steelers' young players silenced the critics tonight? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
