Steelers' Strong 4th Quarter Leads to Win in Overtime Over Buccaneers

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have their best showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but did enough to get a 26-19 win.

The offense struggled in the first half, with their only points coming on a 9-play, 43-yard field-goal drive to end the half. The Steelers had three punts, a missed field goal, an interception, and a turnover on their other drives.

Pittsburgh's offense couldn't get going in the third quarter, punting twice, but woke up in the fourth quarter. Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers downfield on their first fourth-quarter drive, connecting with Darnell Washington for a five-yard touchdown.

That cut Pittsburgh's deficit to 16-10. On Tampa Bay's next drive, Daylen Everette came away with an interception. The Steelers were able to capitalize with a field goal to cut the Bucs' lead to 16-13. 

After a Tampa Bay punt, Pittsburgh tied it up with another field goal and took the lead with a third field goal in the quarter. This put the Steelers up by three, but Jalon Daniels drove the Bucs downfield for a field goal to send the game into overtime. 

Pittsburgh's offense got the ball first in overtime, and Rodgers led a great drive. On 3rd-and-13, Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf for 16 yards, extending the drive. The Steelers then steadily marched down the field and connected with Germie Bernard for a six-yard touchdown. 

All the pressure was back on Tampa Bay to match Pittsburgh with a touchdown. The Steelers' defense played at a high level, with Jalen Ramsey closing the game with a sack on 4th-and-8.

It wasn't the best offensive performance, as the offense was missing key weapons in Roman Wilson, Michael Pittman Jr., and Ben Skowronek. Rodgers still put together a solid game, completing 33 of 49 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. 

He made use of his receivers who were available, as Metcalf had 11 receptions for 93 yards while Bernard had 11 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. 

Jaylen Warren didn't have a ton of success in the run game, rushing for 50 yards on 14 carries, but he had two receptions for 28 yards as a receiver. Rico Dowdle also had an impact with 40 yards on seven carries and three receptions for nine yards.

The Steelers are now 4-2 on the season, and as they get healthier, they could establish themselves as one of the best teams in the AFC.