The Pittsburgh Steelers’ comeback attempt against the Minnesota Vikings came up just short as they fell, 36-28, at Minnesota last night.
The Steelers trailed in the third quarter, 29-0, before mounting a comeback behind three Ben Roethlisberger touchdown passes sandwiched around a one yard Najee Harris touchdown.
On the final play of the game Roethlisberger appeared to have hit Pat Freiermuth with a potential tying touchdown but the pass was broken up by Minnesota safeties Harrison Smith and Xavier Woods.
It would have been the biggest comeback in Steelers history, but as it is drops Pittsburgh to .500.
The Vikings jumped to their early lead in large part due to the play of Delvin Cook, who despite suffering a high ankle sprain on Sunday rushed for 205 yards and two scores.
Some notes- this is the first time Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins, who completed fewer than half his passes in the game, ever won after throwing multiple interceptions in a game- he’d previously lost all 21 games in which he’d done so.
This is the second time in three games the Steelers have allowed a running back to rush for 100 yards in the first half- prior to Joe Mixon accomplishing the feat two weeks 12 days ago in a 41-10 Bengals victory against Pittsburgh nobody had ever rushed for 100 yards in the first half against the Steelers in the Mike Tomlin era.
There’s been a feeling the Steelers lack of discipline. Case in point- Chase Claypool. Called for two penalties early, the wide receiver was benched during the game- only to return- make a big catch late- but then waste time celebrating that likely cost the Steelers a play in their final drive.
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