The Steelers knew going into Seattle that they had to win and they needed help to remain in contention for the playoffs. They did their part, but didn’t get the help they needed, so they are still in contention, but with only one game left their hopes are fading.
The running game shredded the Seahawks’ defense, Mason Rudolph gave them steady leadership at quarterback, and the defense did just enough for a 30-23 Steelers win. Najee Harris rumbled for 122 yards and two touchdowns as the Steelers’ offense piled up 468 yards of total offense, 202 yards on the ground. Rudolph completed 18 of 24 passes for 274 yards, including two key fourth-quarter catches by George Pickens, covering 34 and 20 yards.
The Steelers’ defense got a big lift from rookie outside rusher Nick Herbig, who strip-sacked Geno Smith and recovered the fumble, setting up Chris Boswell’s second field goal of the day and boosting the lead to ten points, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Coach Mike Tomlin says his team has stood up for itself through tough times.
Tomlin says the Steelers have to control what they can control.
The coach appreciated the efforts of Najee Harris on Sunday.
Tomlin says his offensive line was dominant against the Seahawks.
Tomlin says Nick Herbig’s strip sack in the fourth quarter was a big play.
Mason Rudolph says the Steelers did what they had to do.
Rudolph says everybody contributed to the win for the Steelers.
Defensive lineman Cam Heyward says the Steelers have more work to do, and it doesn’t matter who the Ravens put on the field on Sunday.
Heyward says he’s a “glass half full” guy, so he’s confident heading into the season’s final game.
The only injuries of note, according to Tomlin, were to TJ Watt and Joey Porter, both in the fourth quarter, but both of those defensive stalwarts returned to the game.
There are several paths to the playoffs for the Steelers. If they beat Baltimore on Saturday, they need either Miami to beat Buffalo or Tennessee to beat Jacksonville, or a tie between Houston and Indianapolis.
If the Steelers lose to the Ravens, they can still make the playoffs if both Buffalo and Jacksonville lose their games and the Denver Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders.
The NFL has set kickoff for the Steelers/Ravens Week 17 matchup at Baltimore for 4:30 on Saturday. The Ravens clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs yesterday with their win over the Dolphins, so they may rest some top players. The 49ers beat Washington and clinched the top seed in the NFC.
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