Steelers Lose Second Straight to Start 2019 Season

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped their second straight game to start the 2019 season on Sunday, losing 28-26 to the Seattle Seahawks to fall to 0-2 on the young campaign.

That might not be the worst news.

Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left the game in the second quarter with an injury to his right, throwing elbow, and starting running back James Conner left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury.

Missing two of its top playmakers, the Steelers’ offense still had a better than it did in the season opener against New England.

Conner scored from 1-yard out in the first quarter to give the Steelers an early lead. Two Chris Boswell field goals helped keep the pace and Rudolph hit Vance McDonald from eight yards out in the fourth quarter to pull the Steelers back to within two. Rudolph was intercepted on the two-point conversion attempt.

But Seattle was also able to find paydirt. Russell Wilson hit tight end Will Dissly for a 14-yard score on the opening drive of the second quarter. Those two connected once again in the third quarter to capitalize on a short field after an interception when Rudolph’s pass went through the hands of Donte Moncrief.

After the Steelers’ missed conversion, a pair of misplays by safety Terrell Edmunds allowed Seattle to extend its lead. He was called for defensive pass interference on a critical third down and then was beaten to the corner by Seattle rookie DK Metcalf for a touchdown.

Mike Hilton kept the Steelers in the game by forcing the second fumble of the game by Seattle running back Ben Carson. Devin Bush recovered and returned it to the 3-yard line and Rudolph hit McDonald for the first multi-score game of his career.

But the Steelers weren’t able to re-gain possession, as Chris Carson converted on a crucial 4th and 1 in Pittsburgh territory to allow the Seahawks to run the clock out.

The Steelers fell to 0-2 and will travel to San Francisco next week.