Williams’ Go-Ahead Touchdown Leads Steelers Over Commanders (11-10-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
Landover, MD – The Washington Commanders fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 28-27 in a back-and-forth affair on Sunday afternoon at Northwest Stadium.
This matchup was arguably the game of the week, and it lived up to the hype. Russell Wison led Pittsburgh (7-2) to its fourth straight victory since taking over the starting quarterback position in week seven. Wilson had a pretty overall solid outing Sunday, completing 14-of-28 passes for 195 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Steelers’ offense wasn’t able to move the ball well all day, they had good moments but Washington’s (7-3) defense did a good job at holding its own.
Over to Washington’s side, what kind of day did Jayden Daniels have on Sunday? One word…. Frustrating. To say a game where Daniels had no turnovers and still eclipsed over 200 passing yards is probably his “worst start” is quite fascinating. Daniels and the offense scored 27 points yesterday, but it was a tough 27 points that the Pittsburgh defense made them earn. Daniels completed 17-of-34 passes with 202 passing yards, no touchdowns or picks. The Steelers’ defense was excellent in containing Daniels, they had great discipline in sealing off the edges and closing up lanes for him to step up and run. Daniels never looked too comfortable in the pocket, with the pressure from the Pittsburgh defensive line contributing to three sacks, also uncharacteristically he missed throws that he usually makes.
Washington competed with a good Pittsburgh team, but to fall short like they did when it easily could’ve been a win for them hurts.
There were many missed chances for them to take control of this game and run away with it. Many people will blame Benjamin St.Juste, Johnny Newton, and the receivers’ miscues. But the team has already acknowledged that they could’ve played better.
Newton said “My teammates have been great, it’s a big brotherhood in here. All the coaches, staff, and everyone came up to me, supported me, and had my back. Told me to just put it behind me and get ready for Philly.”
Daniel’s Take On The Missed Opportunities
“Everybody just sees the one big thing and one big play but it’s the little things that add up. I’ll have to go back and watch the film and see where we are at with our details.”
Key Moments Of The Game
● 2nd Quarter, 13:31 on the clock: Olamide Zaccheaus fumbles on a routine fair-catch punt return that resulted in Pittsburgh recovering the ball at the WAS 14 tied 7-7. The Steelers scored a touchdown five plays later leading 14-7.
● 3rd Quarter, 14:45 on the clock: Jayden Daniels finds Terry McLaurin on a slant route over the middle for a 54-yard gain to the PIT 17. Jeremy McNichols capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Washington led 24-14.
● 4th Quarter, 7:12 on the clock: Jaylen Warren ran for a seven-yard run to the Washington one-yard line, where he was met by defensive back Quan Martin who stripped the ball out on the tackle and was taken by safety Jeremy Chinn. Commanders ball up 27-21, with 7:05 remaining in the game.
● 4th Quarter, 6:03 on the clock: Daniels missed fellow rookie wide-receiver Luke McCaffery on a deep crossing route across the middle of the field from the WAS three. If Daniels got that pass to McCaffery, he had a chance for a run after the catch and would’ve completed a first-down out of Washington territory close to midfield with a little less than five-and-a-half minutes remaining.
● 4th Quarter, 2:27 on the clock: Wilson found Mike Williams to the deep left endzone on a fade route for a 32-yard go-ahead touchdown. Pittsburgh leads 28-27.
● 4th Quarter, 1:02 on the clock: Jer’Zhan Newton jumps offside on a Pittsburgh fourth-and-one to potentially give the Commanders the ball back with a minute left.
Controversial Catch By Ertz
After the Mike Williams go-ahead touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. Washington turned around and reached midfield with one-and-a-half minutes remaining. On fourth-and-nine, Daniels found Ertz on a quick strike at the first-round marker tackled by two Steelers defenders. But unfortunately, the catch was ruled short of the marker resulting in a turnover on downs. The problem with the catch was Ertz fell to his knees right when he caught the ball causing him to fall forward a little.
Pittsburgh and Washington Player Of The Game
● DT Cameron Heyward: Heyward finished with two sacks, two tackles, two tackles for loss, two QB hits, and a pass deflection. The longtime Steelers d-tackle was everywhere yesterday and forced a lot of pressure from the interior. He was a key force that caused the fourth-quarter dominance of the Steelers’ defense in key situations.
● S Jeremy Chinn: 13 total tackles, six solo tackles, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery, and an interception. Man, Chinn has been awesome and Joe Whitt Jr. has found a way to allow Chinn to fly around using his agility and speed to make plays. Keeping his stock going up and showing this new regime why he should be extended on a multi-year contract this offseason.
New Kicker No Problem
Kicker Zane Gonzalez filled in nicely for the injured Austin Seibert. Gonzalez went 2-for-2 on 41 and 48-yard attempts. Also, hit all three of his extra-point attempts.
Up Next
The Commanders are on a short week and head up to Philly for a Thursday night showdown against the Eagles for first place in the NFC East.
The Steelers host the Ravens on Sunday at 1 p.m.
