Steelers Fumble Away OT Chances, Tie Lions 16-16

PITTSBURGH — Pat Freiermuth fumbled with eight seconds left in overtime and the Steelers driving, and the Lions recovered, preserving a 16-16 time.

The Steelers were already into Chris Boswell’s field goal range and tried to get a little closer with the pass to Freiermuth with 15 seconds left on the clock. Freiermuth would have been tackled in bounds even if he hadn’t fumbled. 

The Pittsburgh offense struggled mightily without starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Backup Mason Rudolph threw 50 times, completing 30 for 242 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Steelers had difficulty containing the Detroit Lions’ running game throughout the game, with D’Andre Swift carrying 28 times for 120 yards. 

His backups, Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike each contributing big play, with Jefferson rushing for a 28-yard score and Igwebuike breaking off a 42-yard touchdown in the third quarter to make it 16-10 Detroit.

The Steelers used 23- and 51-yard field goals by Chris Boswell to tie the game, with Boswell knotting things up on the first drive of the fourth quarter.

From there, the game devolved into one of offensive ineptitude. The team exchanged five consecutive punts before the Steelers knelt out the final 19 seconds on the clock.

The Steelers moved the ball across the 50 once earlier in overtime, but Diontae Johnson fumbled on that drive. The Lions missed a 48-yard field goal attempt in the extra period.

Pittsburgh will now go on the road, as they will visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 21 for Sunday Night Football.