The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a lot of things Monday night at Heinz Field, culminating with the biggest drop of all: their undefeated season and an opportunity to clinch their first playoff berth since 2017.
The Steelers fell to the Washington Football Team 23-17, blowing a 14-point lead that was the second-largest blown lead at home in franchise history.
They were up 14-0 seconds before halftime, but the Steelers lost when up by at least 14 points for only the second time since 2004. Since drafting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, the Steelers are 109-2-1 when leading by 14 points at any point, including playoff games.
“I feel like we just kind of relaxed a little,” wide receiver James Washington said. “I don’t have an explanation right now, but we just have to play better next week. We can’t dwell on this. There’s plenty of more ball to play.”
Tied at 17 with less than five minutes remaining, the Steelers had a chance to score. But with starting kicker Chris Boswell out with a hip injury, the Steelers elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Washington 28.
Roethlisberger targeted rookie Anthony McFarland on a wheel route, but the running back, who has just five catches, couldn’t haul it in on a double move, and the Steelers turned over the ball on downs for the second time.
Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com
Want More From Sports Gossip?
For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
