Postgame Week 10: Steelers and Lions Tie in Sloppy OT Battle, 16-16

With Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger being ruled OUT just hours before game day against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field on Sunday, it was Mason Rudolph who was once again called upon to lead the charge in Big Ben's absence. 

In a wet, sloppy, snowy afternoon in Pittsburgh, the Steelers were still the favorites going into the game, but it would be the Lions' ground game that would keep the 0-8 underdogs of Detroit in a close fight the entire matchup.

Rudolph and the Steelers started off hot as they received the ball first, drove down the field, and struck first with a beautiful touchdown pass to wide receiver, James Washington.  

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As mentioned, it would be the Lions' 229 total yards rushing in the game that kept things closer than they should've been. Led by running back, D'Andre Swift with 130 rushing yards on the day, it was running back, Jermar Jefferson who tied things up for the Lions in the second quarter. After a Rudolph interception and the teams swapping field goals, the score would be tied up at halftime, 10-10.

Unfortunately throughout the game, the Steelers suffered a series of injuries on both the offensive side of the ball and on defense. Starting offensive guards, both Kevin Dotson and Trai Turner suffered ankle injuries which took them out of the game. Cornerback Joe Haden left the game with a foot injury in which he did not return, as well as star linebacker, TJ Watt with a hip/knee injury who also did not return. Their progress will be detailed out as the week goes on.

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Late in the game provided the Steelers with several opportunities to put the Lions away for good, even if it meant winning "ugly." That included a missed field goal by Lions kicker, Ryan Santoso with just over 4 minutes to go in overtime. But costly fumbles by both wide receiver Diontae Johnson, and rookie tight end, Pat Freiermuth would ultimately leave thousands of soaked fans questioning again why the Steelers continue to "play down to their competition." 

Should there be some cause for concern? Click to comment below!

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