Steelers Survive Late Lions Surge in Wild Finish, Extend Win Streak to Three
Victory Monday hits different when it comes with playoff implications-and a heart rate monitor. The Steelers edged out the Lions 29-24 in a game that had just about everything: explosive plays, controversial calls, and a final sequence that left fans breathless. With the win, Pittsburgh keeps its postseason hopes alive and adds another chapter to a late-season surge that’s been equal parts gritty and gutsy.
Let’s break it down.
The Final Stand: Chaos at the Goal Line
The final play is what everyone’s talking about-and for good reason. The Lions were knocking on the door, and it looked like Amon-Ra St.
Brown had found a way to break it down. But Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. had other plans.
St. Brown made the grab, but he never broke the plane, and as the Steelers’ defenders drove him backward, the ball came loose and ended up in Jared Goff’s hands, who took it into the end zone.
Initially ruled a touchdown, the call was ultimately wiped out by an offensive pass interference penalty on Isaac TeSlaa for a pick play. That flag was critical.
Without it, the play likely would’ve been dead due to the whistle, and replay wouldn’t have saved Detroit. It was a bizarre, chaotic finish-but the Steelers held firm when it mattered most.
Offense: Ground Game Dominates, Rodgers Steady
Pittsburgh’s offense leaned on the run game, and it delivered in a big way. Jaylen Warren was electric, racking up 143 yards and two touchdowns.
His burst, vision, and balance were on full display, and the Lions had no answer. Kenneth Gainwell chipped in with 50 yards on the ground and added 78 receiving yards, including a highlight-reel catch that will be on every year-end list.
Aaron Rodgers played a clean, efficient game-nothing flashy, but enough to keep the offense balanced and the chains moving. He’ll be the first to say the offense left points on the field, including a touchdown called back by penalty and a costly red zone fumble by Darnell Washington. Still, the unit put up 29 points and controlled the tempo for much of the game.
The offensive line deserves some love, too. It’s a patchwork group right now, but they held their own.
Dylan Cook, a former college quarterback turned third-string left tackle, continues to impress in a tough spot. He’s got a big test coming up against Myles Garrett, but for now, he’s earned praise.
And don’t overlook rookie center Zach Frazier-he’s been rock solid all year and continues to anchor the line with poise beyond his years.
Defense: Dominant Early, Gassed Late
For three quarters, the Steelers’ defense played one of its best games of the season. They held Detroit’s high-powered offense in check and completely shut down the run game-just 15 rushing yards allowed.
That’s not a typo. It was a statement.
The return of Derrick Harmon made a noticeable impact. His presence allowed for better rotation up front and gave the defense some much-needed energy. Harmon earned a game ball after performing in his hometown, and it was well deserved.
Cam Heyward continues to play at a high level, and Keeanu Benton might’ve had his best game yet. The front seven brought the heat, and the secondary followed suit.
Kyle Dugger had a standout performance, leading the team in tackles, notching a sack, and recording a safety. Joey Porter Jr. also flashed, breaking up two passes and making six tackles.
Even with a strange tripping penalty, Alex Highsmith made his presence felt throughout the game.
The fourth quarter was rough, no doubt. The defense looked gassed, and Detroit nearly stole it. But in the end, they got the stop they needed.
The D.K. Metcalf Situation
Things got messy off the field as well. D.K.
Metcalf is likely facing a suspension after an incident involving a fan near the stands. Video showed Metcalf leaving the bench area, approaching a fan, and making physical contact-grabbing what appeared to be the fan’s hair or wig and striking him.
The fan declined to comment, and Metcalf didn’t speak to the media postgame. According to former WR Chad Johnson, Metcalf claimed the fan used racial and derogatory slurs.
If true, it’s understandable why he was upset-but that doesn’t excuse the decision to cross the barrier, literally and figuratively. The league will likely weigh in soon, and the Steelers may be without one of their top receivers next week in Cleveland.
Mike Tomlin: Rallying the Troops
Let’s give credit where it’s due-Mike Tomlin has this team believing again. Four weeks ago, the Steelers looked dead in the water. Now they’ve rattled off three straight wins and are firmly in the playoff mix.
Tomlin’s ability to steady the ship is nothing new, but it’s worth highlighting. That said, the bar in Pittsburgh isn’t just getting to the postseason-it’s winning once you’re there.
If this team doesn’t notch a playoff win, the questions about the future of the Tomlin era won’t go away. For now, though, he’s got this group playing with purpose.
Injury Watch: Banged Up Heading to Cleveland
The Steelers are limping into a critical divisional matchup. D.K.
Metcalf is likely out. Calvin Austin III left the game with an injury.
Brandin Echols exited with a groin issue, forcing Jalen Ramsey into the slot and Chuck Clark into more safety snaps-though Clark continues to struggle with dropped interceptions.
On the offensive line, Spencer Anderson stepped in admirably for Isaac Seumalo but is also dealing with a knock. And of course, all eyes are on T.J.
Watt’s status heading into the week. Getting healthy will be a top priority as the Steelers prepare for a Browns team that would love nothing more than to play spoiler.
Quick Hits & Game Balls
- Connor Heyward: Lead blocker on both of Jaylen Warren’s touchdown runs. He’s not flashy, but he’s tough and reliable.
- Darnell Washington: Love the physicality, but ball security has to improve. That red zone fumble could’ve been a backbreaker.
- Officiating: Lions fans are upset, but the refs were consistent. Offensive pass interference was called twice earlier-once on each team.
The final call wasn’t out of nowhere.
- Chris Boswell: Rare miss early, but bounced back with a clutch 59-yarder.
That’s veteran resilience.
- Arthur Smith: Called a smart, creative game.
From the Jonnu Smith jet sweep to the “Steel City Shove” handoff to Gainwell, he kept Detroit guessing.
Looking Ahead: Browns on Deck
Next up: a trip to Cleveland with the division still in play. The Browns won’t roll over-Myles Garrett is chasing a sack record, and they’d love to spoil Pittsburgh’s party.
It’s going to be a physical, emotional matchup, and the Steelers will need to dig deep-especially if they’re short-handed at key spots. But if this team has shown us anything over the last three weeks, it’s that they’re not going down without a fight.
Buckle up. December football in the AFC North is here.