Pittsburgh Steelers: Throwback approach pays dividends vs. Seahawks
It took an overtime fumble and a throwback approach, but the Pittsburgh Steelers stay alive in the AFC Playoff chase, for now.
Bill Cowher was in attendance at Heinz Field, his legacy being highlighted by winning a Super Bowl for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks.
By mere coincidence, the lord of the Terrible Towels and Sunday Night Football brought the two franchises back to the national spotlight in Week 6. A time when Pittsburgh hosted their annual alumni weekend and brought back several legends, including the Coach, Franco Harris, and Mean Joe Greene.
In the end, their home team did not let them down, barely. By using a throwback approach and avoiding Seattle’s furious second-half comeback attempt, Pittsburgh eluded their visitors 20-17 in overtime and moved to 3-3 on the season, keeping them on pace with their AFC North counterparts.
The same could not be said for Seattle (2-4), who not only lost the game in extra time with a fumble after getting there by avoiding a late-game mishap but also losing the chance to gain ground in the NFC West.
Unfortunately, their most significant loss may have been one of their better young players in Darrell Taylor, who was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter after what appeared to be a neck injury.
Ben Roethlisberger played the role of productive pedestrian, going 29-40 for 229 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions. Najee Harris, the team’s rookie sensation at running back, proved his worth again, rushing for 81 yards while also registering a receiving touchdown.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks were playing without their franchise quarterback in Russell Wilson. Backup Geno Smith, yes, the former Jet Geno Smith, had a relatively average night, passing for 209 yards and throwing a touchdown. That and the fumble in overtime that wound up losing the game. Alex Collins churned the Seahawk offense throughout the night, rushing for a touchdown and 101 yards.
The Pittsburgh Steelers throwback approach helps keep them in division contention, for now.
Pittsburgh had it going for them early with a 14-0 lead, but Seattle’s second-half comeback showed that they have several issues that need addressing, leading to reliance on the running game. While the approach paid off for Pittsburgh in the end, there’s bigger fish to fry, particularly when it comes to their division and the conference.
Buffalo, led by Josh Allen, is clearly at the top of their game and looks to be the favorite to represent the conference in Los Angeles. Despite having won the conference title for two straight years, Kansas City has looked very shaky with several uncharacteristic turnovers, yet will still be there in the end due to Patrick Mahomes.
We also can’t forget the Chargers, Browns, the Ravens, and whatever team comes out of the AFC South. All in all, it’s not an easy road for the Steelers to breathe easy on just yet.
The legends who watched them against the Seahawks all heaved a heavy sigh of relief, not because of the game being won, but the fact that it wasn’t lost after an old-school approach started and helped finish the game.