Death, taxes and a Mike Tomlin-coached team finished the season with a record of at least .500.
The Steelers endured a wild and chaotic game, but ultimately defeated the Lions 29-24 for their ninth win of the season.
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The Steelers led by 12 points twice in the fourth quarter after Jaylen Warren scored two 45-yard touchdown runs. While the Lions did little on offense in the third quarter, they were relentless in the fourth quarter until a bizarre performance late in the game.
On fourth-and-goal from the 9-yard line, quarterback Jared Goff threw the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown at the goal line. St. Brown caught the ball just outside the end zone and was apparently pushed back by two defenders for several seconds before breaking free and passing the ball laterally to Goff. The quarterback ran into the end zone, ostensibly winning the game.
But the problem is, the referee ruled that St. Brown interfered with the offensive pass by shoving defensive back Jalen Ramsey while waiting for a pass from Goff. Since the game could have ended with an offensive penalty and time was running out, the game was officially over in favor of the Steelers.
It should be noted, however, that the officials did rule Goff’s touchdown pass — a questionable call, as St. Brown’s progress was not only blocked, but had the Steelers done more to bring him down, they would have likely been flagged for unnecessary roughness.
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Regardless, the Steelers win was the right outcome.
With two long runs, Warren rushed for 143 yards on 14 carries and led Pittsburgh with 230 yards in the game. Kenneth Gainwell rushed for 50 yards on nine carries and added five catches for 78 yards and a stunning 45-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown.
Until the fourth quarter, Goff’s performance was very difficult. He made 34 of 54 shots, advanced 364 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns. He was sacked midway through the third quarter for a safety. The Lions held Pittsburgh to two scores and -3 yards on its first two possessions of the second half.
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Lions receiver Jameson Williams finished the day with five catches for 70 yards, giving him over 1,000 yards for the second straight year.
The Lions barely had any rushing attempts, with David Montgomery rushing four times for 14 yards and Jahmyr Gibbs rushing seven times for two yards. Gibbs did have 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Now 9-6, the Steelers will complete their 19th season under Tomlin with a record of at least .500. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a losing season since 2003, when the team went 6-10.
The Steelers remain the frontrunners for the AFC North title and will end the regular season with games against the Browns and Ravens.
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Detroit’s loss dropped the team’s record to 8-7, greatly denting the team’s playoff hopes. Chicago and San Francisco officially clinched their playoff spots with this result. The Lions will end the season against Minnesota on Christmas Day and then the Bears in Week 18.
