During a tight overtime game against the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Najee Harris expected to go back out on the field for the next possession. It wasn't until after a teammate told him that the game was over that Harris realized that ties were a part of NFL rules. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Najee Harris after Sunday’s 16-16 tie with the Lions: “I didn't even know you could tie in the NFL," Harris said, via @bepryor. "In my mind, I was sitting on the bench saying, 'I've got another quarter to go.' But someone came to me and said, 'That's it.’https://t.co/rZqQemPJ6F
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2021
The rookie running back proved to be the only consistent offensive threat for a Pittsburgh team that didn't have star Ben Roethlisberger. Harris ran for 105 yards on 26 carries, while the rest of the Steelers' offense struggled. Back-up quarterback Mason Rudolph displayed flashes of potential, but made too many costly errors during key moments within the game. Whether it be missing wide open players or poor accuracy on necessary passes, the outcome of the game could have been a positive one for the Steelers if not for the mistakes.
The winless Lions managed to scrap away with a tie, avoiding a 0-17 season. Quarterback Jared Goff struggled once again, throwing for just 114 yards with no touchdowns. If it wasn't for the run game or special teams, Detroit would have lost again.
After the tie, the Steelers hold a record of 5-3-1, putting them in second place in a tough AFC North. After winning four straight games, Pittsburgh looked to have positive playoff aspirations. The tie against the Lions, however, may have been costly. They will need to bounce back against the Chargers next week.
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