With one week remaining in the NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have an opportunity to make the playoffs. That much was earned on Monday Night Football this week as they kept the Cleveland Browns from playing spoiler with a 26-14 win that keeps their hopes alive. The Steelers got there this time, in what is likely to be Ben Roethlisberger’s last home game, thanks to a strong running game and a defensive showing to be proud of.
Najee Harris was sublime on the ground, rushing for 188 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Big Ben, who had a touchdown to go with an INT, only threw for 123 yards, so that tells you what the focus was for Pittsburgh on the night. The defense, though, did its part, sacking Baker Mayfield, who will require surgery and might be headed out the door for Cleveland this off-season, nine times and also picked him off twice in the contest. TJ Watt had four of those sacks by himself, showing once again just how impressive he is and what a game-changer he can be. Next week, the Steelers have a date with the division rivals Baltimore. Should they beat the Ravens and the Colts lose, they would sneak their way in. And Big Ben and co. would have one more shot at glory, albeit a long shot as the underdogs.
