The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised the NFL by defeating the red hot Washington Commanders on the road, 28-27. The Steelers were the underdogs in their Week 10 matchup, many thinking it was a must-win for them to show the football world that they are a real threat for a big playoff push. The play-calling and preparation showed that, especially late in the first quarter when the Steelers took a huge risk faking a punt on their 16-yard line.
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Steelers safety and special teams ace Miles Killebrew warms up on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a conference matchup against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers took a chance on fourth and 15, snapping the ball directly to Miles Killebrew and throwing it to a wide open James Pierre to convert on fourth down. Unfortunately, Pierre dropped the pass and the Commanders got the ball in the red zone instantly, where they would eventually capitalize with seven points on an Austin Ekeler one-yard run.
Cameron Heyward after the game was asked by the media about the Steelers faking it on fourth down. He joking asked if they wanted to know what the fan in him thought or the defender in him thought of the decision.
"Defender wise, we don't execute 'I'm like da*n you better go in your high horse because we got to get going now.'" Heyward said. "Fan in me, you're just like 'we were close but that's how this game is.' We understand we're not going to be perfect every game, but you know when - I hate to say - it when s*** hits the fan, you know just got to make plays."
The Steelers took a gamble that almost paid off. If they were to convert that, not only is that great momentum on the road, it shows the defense that the coaching staff has faith in them to make the a red zone stand if they do not get the first. Unfortunately, Pierre was not able to haul it in and the Commanders did tie the game.
The gutsy move might not have worked in their Week 10 matchup, but Mike Tomlin and the staff are pulling out all of the stops to continue their winning ways. While it did put the defense in a tough spot, Heyward didn't seem to mind the decision.
The Steelers taking a risk like that in their own side of the field is Dan Campbell-like, who has made a living off his risky play-calling. While it has worked out for the Detroit Lions in the past, it would not be a shock if the Steelers continue to look for opportunities to make fourth down conversions on special teams when the opportunity arises.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Cam Heyward sacking Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert.
With the Steelers narrowly escaping the Commanders, they currently sit 7-2 going into their first AFC North divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at home. This is a huge matchup at this point into the season, as the Steelers have a slim lead over Baltimore. While the Ravens have struggled against the Steelers (1-7 in the last four seasons), Tomlin knows that the team needs to make big plays and swing the momentum to its side.
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Steelers Cameron Heyward and Mike Tomlin walk together during a road game against the Buffalo Bills.
Steelers Show Against The Commanders That They Are Playing To Win
The Steelers continuing their winning ways and staying on top of the AFC is what fans were hoping for coming out of the bye. They didn't play a perfect game, but the play-calling showed that the coaching staff has faith that its roster can make big plays even when the risk could cost them points.
Heyward not minding the failed fourth down conversion shows that the players understand and are fully bought in what the coaching staff is doing in 2024. The Steelers still have much to fix before they are ready for Baltimore in Week 11 and Tomlin knows that,
What were your thoughts on the fake punt by the Steelers? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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