Washington Commanders (7-3) – Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2): 27-28
In the matchup of the surprise teams of the first half of the season. The two teams delivered a tight encounter and went blow for blow. Sometimes in defense, sometimes in attack. And in this game, it was Pittsburgh who had the last word.
Thanks to a breathtaking end to the match, the Steelers snatched victory in two stages. First by the arm Russell Wilson (14/28, 195 yards, 3 TD, 1 int), then once again thanks to their defense which made the difference in the final seconds. The Steelers, who were off last week, have a 4th victory in a row and assert themselves a little more as an outsider in the AFC.
Attacks take advantage of gifts
With a fairly poor yardage record, less than 100 yards for the Steelers, barely more than 100 for the Commanders, the two teams return to the locker room having scored two touchdowns each. It's Pittsburgh who takes things in hand after an exchange of punts in the opening. Wilson finds George Pickens who breaks beautifully for the touchdown. But after this good start and well in place defensively, the Steelers shot themselves in the foot for excessive audacity. A completely missed “fake punt” on their 15 yards put the leather in an ideal position for the locals. Instant punishment by Austin Ekeler on the ground.
But Washington returns the courtesy at the start of the 2nd quarter. Fumbled punt and ball returned to the Steelers less than 15 yards from the goal. Wilson improves by finding Freiermuth.
At loggerheads
The Commanders took advantage of halftime to take control. A touchdown before the break, a touchdown on the way back. The double from Ekeler then McNichols gave the men from the capital a 10-point lead. But not stunned yet, the visitors responded immediately with Najee Harris.
Dan Quinn's men, however, have the opportunity to make the difference. Several even. An interception thrown by Wilson first, then a ball snatched from the hands of Jaylen Warren just before the end zone, nothing worked. Washington cannot capitalize and Jayden Daniels has no solution.
Thanks to a last effort, Pittsburgh took the lead with 2 minutes remaining. Russell Wilson regains his long-distance precision by finding newcomer Mike Williams for a 32-yard winning touchdown. The Commanders failed by a few centimeters in a 4th attempt synonymous with hope and lost for the first time of the season at home.
