TAMPA, Fla. — Aaron Rodgers orchestrated a fourth-quarter rally from a 13-point deficit and delivered a touchdown pass in overtime on Sunday to lift the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19, the Associated Press reported.
Pittsburgh entered the final period trailing 16-3 after stumbling through three quarters against a relentless Tampa Bay pass rush. Rodgers was sacked five times through three quarters and threw an early interception, but the veteran quarterback steered four consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter to force extra time and secure Pittsburgh’s first road victory of the season, according to ABC News.
Late Rally Shifts Momentum
The Steelers opened their comeback early in the fourth quarter when Rodgers connected with tight end Darnell Washington on a 5-yard touchdown reception. Kicker Chris Boswell added three field goals in the final quarter, including a 20-yarder following an interception by former Buccaneer Jamel Dean that handed Pittsburgh a brief 19-16 lead with 1:21 remaining in regulation, ABC News reported.
Dean returned the turnover 40 yards to the Tampa Bay 2-yard line, while defensive back Daylen Everette also intercepted a fourth-quarter throw to help erase Tampa Bay’s edge. Undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, making his third start in place of injured starter Baker Mayfield, responded by piloting Tampa Bay into field goal range on completions to Ted Hurst. Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin subsequently sent the contest into overtime with a 53-yard field goal with seconds left on the clock.
“These are the most important moments for us as a team to grow. This is a trajectory win,” Rodgers said, as reported by ABC News.
Rodgers, who completed 33 of 49 passes for 253 yards, capped a 12-play, 70-yard drive in the extra period by finding Germie Bernard for a touchdown. While the Associated Press reported the winning play as a 7-yard strike, Touchdown Wire described it as a 6-yard catch. Tampa Bay’s final bid ended when cornerback Jalen Ramsey brought down Daniels on fourth down for an 11-yard sack at the Pittsburgh 48-yard line.
Struggles and Injuries
Daniels finished the contest 22 of 43 for 164 yards, tossing one touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka along with two costly fourth-quarter interceptions, according to ABC News. Tampa Bay fell to 1-5, with all five defeats coming by seven points or fewer, Bucs coach Todd Bowles noted. Egbuka expressed frustration after the defeat, saying, “We feel like we gave that one to them,” according to ABC News.
Pittsburgh played without injured pass catchers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, while cornerback Brandin Echols departed late in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury, ABC News reported. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy had to spend halftime in the sideline medical tent receiving treatment for an ankle injury after his foot was stepped on, though he returned to manage the second half.
Receiver DK Metcalf served as a focal target in the comeback, reeling in 11 receptions for 93 yards on 15 targets, according to ABC News. On the opposing sideline, McLaughlin remained perfect on the year by hitting all four of his field-goal attempts.
What Comes Next
Pittsburgh now prepares for international travel, heading overseas to face the New Orleans Saints in Paris for the NFL’s first regular-season contest in France. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will look to halt their slump when they visit their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, next Sunday.
