After a miserable opening week, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to have turned things around.
The Steelers jumped out early and held on to cruise past the Las Vegas Raiders 23-18 on Sunday night for their second straight win.
Even though the Raiders got on the board first — quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hit Davante Adams for a 32-yard score in the first quarter — Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett responded immediately. Pickett found Calvin Austin for a huge 72-yard touchdown to tie the game once again. Austin was wide open up the middle of the field, and the play marked the longest touchdown scored against the Raiders in team history. The previous record came with “Immaculate Reception” in 1972.
The Steelers have shut down the Raiders’ offense almost completely since then. Pittsburgh scored three straight field goals before Pickett hit Pat Freiermuth for another touchdown in the third quarter. That gave the Steelers a 23-7 lead.
Adams scored the second goal late in the fourth quarter, and the Raiders converted their first two-point conversion in their last eight attempts, cutting it to a one-score game. Then, after getting into the red zone, the Raiders settled for a field goal with just over two minutes left to get back within five points.
Although the Raiders finally made a stop and got the ball back with 12 seconds left, Garoppolo threw his third interception of the night to end the game. Thus, the Steelers’ victory was sealed by five points.
Pickett finished the night throwing 16-of-28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Najee Harris had 65 rushing yards on 19 carries for Pittsburgh. Garoppolo finished the night going 28 of 44 for 324 yards with two touchdowns to go with his three interceptions. Adams had 172 yards on 13 catches.
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