Controversial Monday Night Ending
Image from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Steelers edges out 4th straight win after a controversial ending. Chicago Bears traveled to Pittsburgh for a Monday Night match-up to wrap up week 9. The Steelers looked to have the game well in hand by halftime leading the Bears 14-3. Bears quarterback Justin Fields and company rally back in the 4th quarter scoring 21 unanswered points leading 27-26. Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers down the field in seven plays to set up kicker Chris Boswell's 40-yard field goal to take the lead 29-27. The Bears offense managed to get the ball to midfield to set up Cairo Santos 65-yard field goal. Santos was kicking towards the closed ending of Heinze Field without much wind the ball feel short ending the game.
Image from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The controversial call came in the 4th Bears linebacker Cassius Marsh was flagged for taunting after sacking Ben Roethlisberger. After Marsh tackled Roethlisberger, he started working towards the Steeler's sidelines and bumped into referee Tony Corrente before being penalized. Corrente talked to pool reporters after the game to explain his decisions. “First of all, keep in mind that taunting is a point of emphasis this year. And with that said, I saw the player after he made a big play, run towards the bench area of the Pittsburgh Steelers and posture in such a way that I felt he was taunting them.” Corrente also spoke about the alleged contact with Marsh stating “That had nothing to do with it. It was the taunting aspect.”
On a positive note, the Steelers are still in the playoff contention and are only one game behind the Ravens for 1st place in the AFC North. Steeler’s linebacker T.J. Watt had another outstanding game recording seven tackles and 3 sacks. Watt has recorded 61 sacks in just 69 games. Only Cleveland’s defensive end Myles Garret has more sacks than Watt’s 11.5 this season is 12.
Next Game
Steelers: Host Detroit next Sunday. The Steelers have won the last five matchups with the Lions.
Bears: Bye week. Hosts Baltimore Ravens November 21st.