A weekly sequence I’ll try this captures the forgotten and hidden performs that helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win or lose. Not the touchdowns, turnovers, or performs that may make the Monday morning highlights – the little ones that, trying again, performed a key function within the end result. I’ll begin with a hidden second that helped the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs beat the Steelers in Week 17.
Russell Wilson’s Purple Zone Sack
Russell Wilson’s crimson zone interception is remembered most from this sport. It was an important decide with WR George Pickens operating the flawed route, although Chiefs’ S Justin Reid believes it wouldn’t have made a distinction. Later within the sport, an important third-down crimson zone sack was impactful and emblematic of the Steelers’ struggles scoring factors and ending drives. And there was undoubtedly an opportunity to search out the top zone right here.
Third and 5 on the Chiefs’ 12, the Steelers path 16-7. Kansas Metropolis jumped out to a scorching begin, however Pittsburgh quieted issues down within the center quarters and began counter-punching. A landing right here really will get them again into issues.
Steelers align in a 3×1 bunch with swap releases off the road. It’s a pleasant design to beat the Chiefs’ man protection. However Russell Wilson is locked onto George Pickens because the bottom X-receiver, desirous to throw the fade. He doesn’t come off it as he slides to his left. That creates extra stress as LG Isaac Seumalo struggles to reflect, and Wilson spins out, runs proper, and takes his eyes off his receivers.
Had he seen them, he had WR Mike Williams open on the crosser, TE Pat Freiermuth open down the seam, and even WR Calvin Austin III stacks the nook to the underside.
What ought to’ve been a primary down/landing to anybody to the bunch facet turns right into a Wilson sack, the fourth of the day. Pittsburgh settles for a subject purpose as an alternative, nonetheless making it a one-score sport however a six-point Chiefs lead as an alternative of a two-point benefit.
Kansas Metropolis instantly responded and drove the size of the sector, exhibiting Pittsburgh the way it’s finished and placing the ball in the long run zone to regain a two-possession lead, 22-10, after a failed two-point strive.
Had the Steelers scored themselves, the Chiefs would have in all probability gone for the additional level to ensure a two-score lead. So, let’s assume the identical state of affairs performs out, and Pittsburgh remains to be down 23-14. The Steelers are nonetheless on their heels, however any factors flip it again right into a one-score sport.
The chances of the Steelers nonetheless popping out on high are slim. The protection couldn’t get stops in key moments or within the crimson zone. And given the Chiefs’ wire-to-wire dominance, there aren’t a ton of “hidden/forgotten” performs to select from. However this sack summed up the day. An opportunity for Pittsburgh to actually get again into the sport, win a weighty down, and actually put the warmth on Kansas Metropolis. As an alternative, the Chiefs made the play and pulled away the remainder of the sport.
