Steelers Edge Lions 29-24 After Late Penalty Negates TD/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Pittsburgh Steelers held off the Detroit Lions in a dramatic 29-24 victory sealed by a controversial offensive pass interference call. Jared Goff’s would-be game-winning touchdown was wiped out as Amon-Ra St. Brown was flagged on the final play. The win keeps the Steelers atop the AFC North, while Detroit’s playoff hopes are on life support.
Steelers-Lions Game Quick Looks
- Pittsburgh wins 29-24 in Detroit, surviving a last-second Lions TD overturned by penalty.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown flagged for offensive pass interference on potential game-winning play.
- Jaylen Warren scores two 45-yard rushing TDs in the fourth quarter.
- Steelers outgain Lions 230-15 on the ground, led by Warren’s 143 rushing yards.
- Jared Goff throws three TDs for Detroit, two in the final quarter.
- Steelers improve to 9-6 and lead the AFC North with two games left.
- Detroit drops to 8-7 and faces steep odds for a playoff berth.
- DK Metcalf swipes at fan during second quarter in brief altercation.
- Pittsburgh secures NFL-record 22nd straight non-losing season.
- Lions lose back-to-back games for the first time in three years.
Deep Look
Steelers Outlast Lions 29-24 After Late Flag Erases Detroit’s Winning Touchdown
DETROIT — The Pittsburgh Steelers stayed in the thick of the AFC playoff race with a controversial win that left the Detroit Lions — and their fans — stunned and furious.
In a wild finish at Ford Field, the Steelers secured a 29-24 victory when a potential game-winning touchdown by Jared Goff was wiped out by an offensive pass interference call on Amon-Ra St. Brown. The penalty came as time expired, ending the Lions’ furious comeback and pushing them to the brink of playoff elimination.
“It’s been playoff-type football for us the last three weeks,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said after Pittsburgh’s third straight win.
The win moved the Steelers to 9-6, giving them sole possession of first place in the AFC North with two games left. The loss dropped Detroit to 8-7, likely dooming their postseason hopes after back-to-back defeats.
A Finish Mired in Controversy
With 22 seconds remaining, rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa was flagged for setting an illegal pick on St. Brown, nullifying a short touchdown that would’ve put Detroit ahead.
Then, on the final play of the game, Goff hit St. Brown just short of the goal line, and before he was tackled, the wide receiver lateraled the ball back to Goff, who reached the end zone. But officials determined that St. Brown had pushed off cornerback Jalen Ramsey to get separation, drawing another offensive pass interference penalty and effectively ending the game.
“That’s a bad call,” Goff said bluntly.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell declined to criticize the officiating but refused to second-guess a failed fourth-down call earlier in the game that might have shifted the outcome.
Jaylen Warren Runs Wild
The Steelers’ ground game overwhelmed Detroit’s defense, dominating the run battle 230-15. Running back Jaylen Warren exploded for two 45-yard touchdowns in the fourth quarter, finishing with a career-best 143 rushing yards.
Warren’s second score gave Pittsburgh a 29-17 lead with 4:20 left, but the Lions quickly answered with a touchdown and then mounted their final drive, which ended in the controversial penalty.
“Certainly weren’t perfect,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We created some of our own adversity. But they didn’t blink, and that’s what’s required this time of year.”
Steelers Capitalize on Lions’ Missed Opportunities
Despite racking up over 480 total yards — a season high — the Steelers left the door open. Chris Boswell missed a 37-yard field goal with just over two minutes left, giving Detroit one last chance.
Detroit capitalized quickly with back-to-back penalties on the Steelers — defensive pass interference and tripping — setting the Lions up at the Pittsburgh 35.
But that’s where the comeback stalled, with two touchdowns called back in the final minute.
Goff and Gainwell Connect, But It’s Not Enough
Goff completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns, including a 45-yard TD to Kenneth Gainwell to end the first half. The play was initially ruled incomplete but overturned after a review showed Gainwell cradled the ball just before rolling over and racing to the end zone.
Goff also threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes that brought Detroit within striking distance. But it wasn’t enough to avoid a second straight loss — something the Lions haven’t experienced in over three seasons.
Metcalf Swipes at Fan in Heated Moment
Steelers receiver DK Metcalf had a brief run-in with a fan during the second quarter, swiping at a man in the front row who was leaning over the railing. No flag was thrown on the play, but the NFL is expected to review the incident.
The fan appeared to be taunting Metcalf, who responded with an open-hand motion toward the man’s face. The league could issue discipline this week.
Historic Season for Tomlin and the Steelers
Pittsburgh’s win ensured the franchise will finish with at least a .500 record for the 22nd straight season, breaking the NFL record it previously shared with the Dallas Cowboys. Mike Tomlin also extends his personal streak to 19 straight non-losing seasons, the longest by any head coach in league history.
“It’s a testament to consistency and belief,” Tomlin said.
Injuries
Steelers:
- CB Brandin Echols (groin) exited in the second quarter.
- OLB T.J. Watt (lung), OG Isaac Seumalo (triceps), and OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring) were inactive.
Lions:
- C Graham Glasgow (knee) and C Trystan Colon (wrist) were out.
- G Kayode Awosika (foot) missed his third straight game.
- Rookie Kingsley Eguakun made his first career start at center.
What’s Next
Steelers (9-6): Travel to Cleveland next Sunday in a crucial AFC North matchup.
Lions (8-7): Visit Minnesota for a Christmas Day showdown to keep slim playoff hopes alive.
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