A last-second penalty kept the Steelers alive in a 29-24 thriller against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, a result that keeps Pittsburgh in the AFC North lead with two games left in the season. The game, which featured a controversial pass-interference call, a career-best rushing effort, and a fan altercation in a dramatic finish, saw the Steelers survive a wild finish that would have otherwise handed Detroit a 30-24 win. The outcome also nudges the Steelers toward a division title for the first time in five years.
With only 22 seconds left, rookie Isaac TeSlaa was flagged for pass interference on a play that would have given Jared Goff a 1-yard touchdown to the end zone. The penalty wiped out the fourth-down pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had pushed off cornerback Jalen Ramsey to create separation. Officials spent a few minutes deliberating before announcing the call, a decision that left the crowd stunned and the Steelers clinging to a narrow lead.
Earlier in the game, the Lions trailed by 12 points with just over four minutes remaining and were on the brink of a comeback. They had two touchdown drives halted by penalties in the final minute, including a fourth-and-goal attempt from the 3 that was stopped by Joey Porter Jr. after Goff’s pass to St. Brown was broken up. Detroit’s coach Dan Campbell chose not to take the risk, a decision he later said he did not regret. Aaron Rodgers said, “It’s been playoff-type football for us the last three weeks.” After the controversial penalty, Jared Goff said, “That’s a bad call.” He added, “We know the percentages… We know we’re not eliminated. We know some things need to go our way.”
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren erupted for two 45-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with a career-best 143 yards. Pittsburgh’s rushing attack outpaced Detroit’s 15 yards, with a 230-15 advantage in total rushing yards. Detroit’s defense allowed the Steelers to amass a season-high 481 yards, forcing a 37-yard field-goal attempt that Chris Boswell missed with 2:05 left.
Quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, including a 45-yard throw to Kenneth Gainwell that was initially ruled incomplete but later reversed after a review. The play featured Gainwell making a catch while lying on his left side, securing his right arm under the ball, and then scrambling to the end zone. Goff also earned a safety on a blitz by Kyle Dugger, giving Pittsburgh a 12-10 lead in the third quarter.
During the second quarter, Steelers receiver DK Metcalf swiped at a fan leaning over the railing in the front row. The fan, wearing a black-and-blue shirt and a blue wig, was speaking with Metcalf before the two-time Pro Bowler threw a right hand toward the man’s face. Officials did not penalize Metcalf, but the league will review the incident and he could face discipline.
With the win, the Steelers achieved their 22nd straight season with at least a .500 record, breaking the NFL record previously shared with the Dallas Cowboys, who had a 21-year run from 1965-85. Coach Mike Tomlin has finished each of his 19 seasons at .500 or better, a testament to his consistency and the team’s resilience.
Steelers injuries included CB Brandin Echols (groin) leaving the game in the second quarter. Two starters were inactive: OLB T.J. Watt (lung) and OG Isaac Seumalo (triceps), along with reserve OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring). Lions injuries saw C Graham Glasgow (knee) and C Trystan Colon (wrist) inactive, giving 24-year-old Kingsley Eguakun his first start after playing two games sparingly in September, while G Kayode Awosika (foot) missed his third straight game.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will face the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, while the Lions head to Minnesota on Christmas Day. The outcomes of those matchups will further shape the division standings and playoff picture for both franchises.
Game Flow and Key Plays
From the opening kickoff, the Steelers established an early advantage, with a 59-yard field goal by Chris Boswell setting the tone. Detroit responded with a drive that culminated in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Kenneth Gainwell, a play that was initially ruled incomplete but later reversed after a review. The Lions held a 12-10 lead at the end of the third quarter, but the Steelers’ defense forced a safety on a blitz by Kyle Dugger, turning the momentum back in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Coaching Decisions
Coach Mike Tomlin praised his roster’s resilience, saying, “I’m just so appreciative of the men that I work with and the fight they displayed individually and collectively.” He also noted the team’s perseverance through adversity, adding that they “didn’t blink” during the season’s toughest moments. Detroit’s coach Dan Campbell, after the controversial penalty, declared, “No,” he said without elaborating, a stance that highlighted the coaching rivalry between the two teams.
Player Performance Highlights
Beyond the rushing dominance, Jaylen Warren’s two 45-yard touchdown runs were pivotal, while Jared Goff’s three touchdown passes, including the controversial fourth-down attempt, showcased his ability to perform under pressure. Defensive standouts included Joey Porter Jr., who broke up a critical pass in the final minute, and Chris Boswell, whose missed 37-yard field-goal attempt underscored the game’s fine margins. These performances collectively underscored the Steelers’ balanced attack and defensive resilience.
Impact on Standings
With the win, the Steelers move to 9-6, keeping them in the AFC North lead and tightening the race for the division title. Detroit drops to 8-7, ending its streak of consecutive winning seasons and reducing its already slim 8% chance of a playoff berth. The outcome also keeps the Steelers’ playoff hopes alive while further diminishing the Lions’ postseason prospects.
Key Takeaways
- The Steelers’ 29-24 win hinged on a controversial pass-interference penalty that erased a potential touchdown.
- Detroit’s offense struggled to convert late-game opportunities, with two touchdowns negated by penalties.
- The Steelers’ rushing attack, led by Jaylen Warren, dominated the ground game and helped secure the victory.
Fans and analysts alike will watch the next games closely, as the Steelers’ consistency and the Lions’ struggles may define the final stretch of the season.
