The Steelers opened the second half with a 21-play, 91-yard drive that chewed 11 minutes and 43 seconds off the clock, ending it with a Mitch Trubisky one-yard touchdown plunge that set them up for a 24-16 win over Carolina on Sunday afternoon.
Subbing for Kenny Pickett, who was still in concussion protocol, Trubisky completed 17 of 22 passes for 179 yards with no interceptions. Najee Harris ran for 86 yards and a touchdown and Jaylen Warren ran for another score as the Steelers rushed for 156 yards.
While the Steelers’ offense dominated time of possession with drives of 12, 10 and 21 plays, the defense gave up only 21 yards rushing and sacked Carolina’s Sam Darnold four times.
The one negative aspect of the Steelers’ afternoon was their penalties. They committed 7 for 81 yards, including a personal foul on special teams captain Miles Killebrew on the second half kickoff, a taunting penalty on Diontae Johnson after he’d picked up a first down on the crucial third quarter drive and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on special teamer Marcus Allen after he walked over to the Carolina sideline and joined their huddle to trash talk with the Panthers’ players. Killebrew also had a holding penalty on special teams.
Coach Mike Tomlin was frustrated by the major penalties, but said at least they came in a win.
The Steelers converted 12 of 16 third downs in the game. Tomlin said a lot of their third down success was attributable to what had happened on first and second down.
The coach was happy with the effort of Trubisky, who played in place of starter Kenny Pickett.
Trubisky said the key to the game for the offense was ball control behind a strong running game.
Linebacker TJ Watt had one-and-a-half sacks, as did lineman Cam Heyward. Linebacker Alex Highsmith also had a sack. Watt says the Steelers’ defense stepped up in the second half.
Next up for the Steelers is the Christmas Eve night game against the Raiders. It will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, and will feature the retirement of the iconic number-32 jersey of Franco Harris. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 o’clock Saturday night.
In the AFC North, the Bengals n0w lead the division at 10-4 after their come-from-behind 34-27 win over Tampa Bay yesterday. The Ravens are 9-5 after dropping a Saturday game against Cleveland. Like the Steelers, the Browns are 6-85.
NFL
Week 15 of the NFL season concludes at Lambeau Field when the Green Bay Packers host the Los Angeles Rams for Monday Night Football.
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