Steelers’ Defense Delivers the Hit of the Week in Gritty Win Over Lions
The Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t supposed to walk out of Week 16 with a win over the high-powered Detroit Lions. At least, not according to most projections.
But this team has made a habit of defying expectations, and on Sunday, they did it with a physical, opportunistic brand of football that’s long been a staple in the Steel City. The biggest moment?
A defensive strike that flipped the momentum and reminded everyone why Pittsburgh’s defense is never out of the fight.
Let’s set the scene: third quarter, game tied at 10. The Steelers had just marched down the field on a methodical 10-play drive that looked destined to end in points-until tight end Darnell Washington had the ball ripped from his hands near the goal line.
A gut punch, no doubt. But instead of folding, the defense stepped up in a major way.
Detroit took over deep in their own territory, backed up at their own 5-yard line. First down?
Incomplete. Second down?
A short two-yard gain. Then came the moment that changed the tone of the game.
On 3rd & 8, with Jared Goff trying to buy just enough space to flip field position, Steelers safety Kyle Dugger wasn’t having it. Lined up close to the line of scrimmage, Dugger timed the snap perfectly, knifed through the protection, and wrapped up Goff in the end zone for a safety. Two points on the board, momentum swinging hard in Pittsburgh’s direction, and a highlight-reel play that earned our Steelers Hit of the Week.
This wasn’t just a big play-it was a statement. Dugger’s burst and awareness in that moment showcased exactly why the Steelers brought him in. He’s not just a thumper in the box-he’s a game-changer.
Runner-Up: Joey Porter Jr. Shows Why He’s the Future at Corner
While Dugger’s safety takes the top spot, we’d be remiss not to shine a light on another tone-setting play from earlier in the game-this one courtesy of Joey Porter Jr.
Late in the first quarter, the Lions were threatening. Goff had orchestrated a 13-play, 63-yard drive that had Detroit knocking on the door at the Pittsburgh 6-yard line.
On 3rd & Goal, Goff hit Amon-Ra St. Brown over the middle for a short gain, setting up a 4th & Goal from the 3.
The Lions went for it-aggressive, confident, and ready to punch it in.
But Porter had other plans.
Reading the play like a seasoned vet, Porter broke on the ball and delivered a perfectly timed hit on St. Brown, jarring the ball loose and forcing a turnover on downs. It wasn’t just a stop-it was a clinic in anticipation, physicality, and poise under pressure.
Porter’s been building a strong case all season, and this game added another chapter. He finished with six tackles and two pass breakups, bringing his season total to a career-high 14 PBUs-with two games still to go. If he’s not already on your radar as one of the league’s rising corners, it’s time to catch up.
Bottom Line
The Steelers’ defense came up big when it mattered most, and in a game where every inch counted, it was the physical, high-IQ plays from guys like Kyle Dugger and Joey Porter Jr. that made the difference. Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes are still alive-and if this defense keeps playing like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.