WATCH: Pittsburgh Steelers return blocked punt for touchdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers are finding ways to win with their defense and special teams, as a blocked a punt returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against Buffalo extended their lead.
Ulysees Gilbert scooped up the loose ball and took it into the end zone for the score, putting the Steelers up two possessions.
The play was a big shift in momentum, as Pittsburgh had just taken its first lead of the game on a Diontae Johnson touchdown catch. After being held scoreless in the first half, the Steelers rallied to put 20 points on the scoreboard in the second.
The Bills quickly responded with a field goal to once again make this a one-possession game. However, ultimately they could not do enough to earn the victory, falling 23-16.
The Steelers defense did not allow a touchdown in the second half. A pair of field goals from Tyler Bass were the only points the unit surrendered.
It was a good thing the defense was at the top of its game, because the offense struggled mightily. Ben Roethlisberger finished 18-of-32 passing with a touchdown and no interceptions. Rookie running back Najee Harris led the team with 16 carries but recorded only 45 yards.
Pittsburgh receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Dionate Johnson pulled in just nine of their 18 targets.
The Steelers are used to winning games with their defense. The team ranked third in the NFL in both points and yards allowed in 2020. They also forced the third-most turnovers per game in the league.
Pittsburgh moves on to face the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Hopefully the Steelers offense can regain its footing, but if not at least we know blocked punts returned for touchdowns are a possibility.
Buffalo will look to get back on track when it plays Miami, also next Sunday.