It was not a flawless performance, but a win is a win for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they came away with a 23-16 road win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.
The Steelers had to battle their way to this road victory against the reigning AFC East champions. The Bills found formidable success over the opening half, which included a 91-yard touchdown drive that was capped off with a 3-yard passing touchdown by quarterback Josh Allen.
Although the Steelers mounted their way to a key second half comeback following quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's 5-yard passing touchdown to Diontae Johnson, the turning point in the contest was surely the blocked punt by Pittsburgh's special teams unit in the fourth quarter.
Steelers safety Miles Killebrew blocked Matt Haack's punt, and linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III followed it up by taking it the other way for the much-needed 9-yard touchdown return. The Steelers opened up a pivotal 10-point lead with this crucial score.
BLOCK. THAT. KICK. #HereWeGo
šŗ: #PITvsBUF on CBS
š±: NFL app pic.twitter.com/6G4gla9A8uā NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin noted after the win that his team needed a spark during the game, and Pittsburgh got just that with the blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
āWe needed a splash play like that,ā Tomlin said. āAnd boy they delivered and delivered big.ā
Although it is a stretch to classify a Week 1 win as a statement victory, this surely was one for the Steelers. After last season's second half collapse followed by the hectic offseason, Pittsburgh needed this win to open up the campaign with key momentum.
Next up for Roethlisberger and company will be their home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Follow Us
Subscribe