Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell Gives Arthur Smith Absolutely No Credit After Miracle Touchdown Catch

Nothing seemed to make sense in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions, but a win is still a win. There were all kinds of moments and plays that happened that don't occur every season, yet they all happened in the same game. Between an altercation with a fan and a near-collapse saved by an offensive pass interference penalty, fans and the media alike will have a lot to talk about for the whole week. In the end, Pittsburgh has total control of the AFC North, and that is all that matters. 

One of these wild moments came shortly after a DK Metcalf altercation with a fan. With the Steelers trying to set up for a field goal before halftime, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a deep ball to running back Kenneth Gainwell, who was dragged down and drew a pass interference call. While on the ground, he managed to locate the ball, catch it, and get up and run in for the touchdown to tie the game at 10. 

During his post-game press conference, Gainwell explained everything that happened there, including how it started in the first place.

"Man, Aaron [Rodgers] called a play and just told me to go out and run a go ball," Gainwell said. 

Rodgers was the one that called the play at or near the line of scrimmage, as the speedy back was lined up wide against a linebacker. The Lions had primarily run man coverage for most of the season, as the commentators repeatedly mentioned, and the veteran quarterback wanted to take full advantage of that. However, no one could have predicted what would happen on that play, and it was a big reason for Pittsburgh's victory. 

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith had a very rough first half in terms of schematics and play-calling, and that is now emphasized by the fact that the one touchdown in that initial 30 minutes did not come from him and, instead, came from his veteran quarterback. Smith did have a good second half, however, and that was the main reason for that offensive explosion and domination. 

Gainwell has had a very impressive season with the Steelers, and that circus catch further displayed his impact. He is still the team leader in receptions, and is expected to keep that title by the end of the season. At less than $2 million for a one-year deal, Pittsburgh is getting an absolute bargain. The only problem with this contract in hindsight is that it is not a multi-year deal. He will almost certainly get paid by some other team in 2026.

Steelers Would Not Be Where They Are Now Without Gainwell

For starters, it would be very easy for Gainwell to not catch that pass and just draw the flag. If that happens, the Steelers likely kick a field goal to add on three points to the board instead of seven. Without that, the Lions would have been able to kick a game-winner, as opposed to trying that wild last-second play to get a touchdown, and they would most likely make that field goal to steal victory away from Pittsburgh. 

There is the aforementioned receptions stat, which is still very wild for a backup running back. He has also come in for an injured/sick Jaylen Warren numerous times, and has done well in each of those games. He is closing in on 1,000 scrimmage yards on the season after racking up 128 total yards in Week 16. Barring injury, he will certainly reach that mark for the first time in his NFL career. 

What do you think about Rodgers being the one to call that wild play to Gainwell before halftime? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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