Pittsburgh Steelers fall short of perfection with shocking Washington upset
A stunning 23-17 win by Washington denied the Pittsburgh Steelers perfection.
Members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins are now raising glasses of champagne and perfection thanks to the Washington Football Team. A 23-17 stunning upset of the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers moved Washington to within half a game of the NFC East division title.
Like their division rival Giants, Washington is now no stranger to defeating an AFC powerhouse with a perfect record. Big Blue’s accomplishment in 2007 will likely not be topped. For the nation’s capital, though, it is a testament to the resilience of Alex Smith, who may have taken the lead in the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award race.
Meanwhile defensively, going on the road and proving their will while being an underdog is a testament to how well Ron Rivera has coached his team while also providing a blueprint for potentially derailing a seventh Lombardi Trophy from going to the Steel City.
Washington ended perfection but both they and Steelers have playoff dreams
The season is not over yet and Washington does not need perfection to win their own division, but they must seek it by winning out and hope that bad luck surrounds Gotham City as well as the other teams that are in the running. Furthermore, this game needs to be just a reminder rather than a feel-good snapshot of their 2020 season.
Winning in the NFL against a contender is worth due credit, given the circumstances. However, this game followed by the rest of the season being all defeats will only lead to disappointment. Rivera will need to use his inner player and his discipline to keep Washington in the hunt.
There will be no perfect team in 2020 and Washington ensured us of that. Yet, the Steelers are still in a fight at the top of the AFC and appear locked into their own playoff spot. There is plenty left to play for both teams heading down the stretch.
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For DC fans to truly celebrate, they must have their own form of perfection which is defined by winning the division while additionally winning a playoff game. Regardless, they’ve earned this moment and will certainly enjoy it while fans in Pittsburgh will work to rebound, which they must do quickly as they eye a matchup with the Bills in Week 14.