By: G.Stryker
Each and every game has a pivotal moment where victory is decided. Not always the game winning play, but a play that determines the outcome, and if it went differently, a different result could be likely. So each week we will explore the exact moment of drama where the game pivots on: As the Game Turns.
The Steelers had to punt the drive immediately following their first touchdown, which brought this game to a 16-6 score. Jacksonville returns the punt to the Steeler 41 yard line, nearly in field goal range, in a low scoring game, and the Jags enjoying their best starting field position of the day with 12:43 left in the 4th quarter. After a 2 yard run by Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville does the unthinkable. They drop back to pass...twice.
Second down is a 9 yard loss on a sack by Vince Williams. Not to be outdone, the very next play, Cameron Heyward sacks for the loss of another 7 yards. Now firmly out of field goal range, Jacksonville is forced to punt. Simply running the ball could have given the Jaguars a chance at a long field goal and possibly gain momentum. Instead, 2 plays backward, they punt the ball, and never scored again.
All the Steelers had to do was score 2 more touchdowns. Thanks to this failed series, the Steelers had the time and point differential, to come back and turn this game into a win, with 8 seconds left on the clock.
