Following a winning effort that included four tackles, a scoop-and-score, and a game-winning interception, Minkah Fitzpatrick continues to prove to doubters that he was worth trading a first-round pick.
Besides Fitzpatrick, the Steelers defense pickpocketed the Rams for four turnovers. So, how was this game close?
Three plays in, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey snapped the ball over quarterback Mason Rudolph. Rams defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. recovered the ball and took it to the house within 15 seconds of the game.
Although the play hurt the Steelers, it did not diminish their hopes. A couple of punts for both teams led to the Steelers start a drive. While starting on their 38-yard line, Rudolph went deep to wide receiver Diontae Johnson for 30 yards.
A few plays later, Rudolph took a shot. It was originally intercepted but was called back by one of many Jalen Ramsey’s penalties. After another few passes down the field, running back Jaylen Samuels tied the game with a 2-yard run.
Offensive production stalled for about seven minutes until Johnson made another huge catch and run. Yet, before he went down, Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman caused a fumble, recovered by the Rams.
The Rams had a shot to take a lead before halftime. Yet, their misfortune hit when a controversial hit stopped Jared Goff’s arm from going forward. However, Fitzpatrick continued the play with a 43-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Going into halftime, the Rams had one final shot. Kicker Greg Zuerlein ripped a 56-yard field goal, however, it missed left.
As a result, the Rams took a seven-point deficit into the locker room at halftime.
The Steelers turned back the clock in the second half, as cornerback Joe Haden intercepted Goff on the Steelers’ side of the field. Yet, Rudolph’s offense of ground-and-pound, check-downs, and an optional deep shot was not effective.
Instead, the Rams looked to bounce back again. Despite the bounce-back attempt, the Rams went three and out. But this was no ordinary fourth down.
The Steelers played safe as the Rams attempted a fake punt pass. It landed into safety Terrell Edmunds’ arms for the second interception of the day.
With the Steelers starting at the Rams 31-yard line, they were looking to knock in more points. However, Rams linebacker Clay Matthews had another idea. A 5-yard sack led to a struggling drive and punt for the Steelers.
The Rams took the punt and drove down the field. With running back Todd Gurley opening up the ground, he and the Rams crept into the Steelers red zone. Nevertheless, Zuerlein ended the drive with three points.
The Rams defense appeared for a moment as Rudolph gave up a safety, cutting the Pittsburgh lead to just two points.
The Steelers, though, added to the slight lead with a Chris Boswell field goal.
After a few failed attempts for both squads, the Rams had one final drive. Steelers T.J. Watt started the drive with a strip-sack, but the Rams recovered. Following that play up was a defensive pass interference call on the Steelers, giving the Rams a much-needed first down.
Following a false start penalty, Goff threw toward Robert Woods. Yet, Haden tipped the ball, and Fitzpatrick intercepted it.
He ran off a few seconds and presented Rudolph and the Steelers their fourth consecutive win.
Skeptics built into Pittsburgh this week about injuries to both sides. Yet, the Steel Curtin rose to the occasion again. Fitzpatrick and the defensive backs limited Goff’s opportunity to rack up points.
The Steelers (5-4) have a short week as they face division rivals, Cleveland Browns, on Thursday. The Rams (5-4) travel back home to face off the Chicago Bears.
