The Ben Roethlisberger-less Steelers slogged their way to a 16-16 tie against the Detroit Lions. Entering Sunday, the Steelers looked to take the lead in the AFC North with a victory over the Lions. After an impressive opening drive by Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph the game looked to be in hand. The Lions rushing attack dominated most of the game rushing for over 200 yards. This joke of a game would start to get interesting during the overtime period. The Steelers defense managed to hold the Lions on their opening drive. The second play of the Steelers first possession receiver Diontae Johnson fumbles after gaining 39 yards from a Rudolph pass. Jared Goff and company managed to get into field goal range by a pair of Steelers penalties. Lions kicker Ryan Santoso filling in for injured Austin Seibert missed a 48-yard field goal. The Steelers were forced to punt after center Kendrick Green fumbled the snap on their 30-yard line. With barely anytime left the Steelers began a late drive to get into field goal range. Only 8 seconds left in overtime Rudolph passes short to tight end Pat Freiermuth on the Lions 38-yard line. Freiermuth fumbles while trying to gain extra yards and is recovered by the Lions ending the game with a tie.

Takeaways

Offense: I am not a Mason Rudolph fan, but this tie wasn’t his fault. He had a pretty good game passing for 242-yards and a touchdown. The offense let Rudolph down in overtime starting with the Diontae Johnson fumble. I understand the weather was hectic but that’s when you should protect the ball. The entire game center Kendrick Green was giving Rudolph bad snaps that somehow, he handled. During overtime, Green snapped a ball over Rudolph's head wasting a drive. Just when the Steelers were about to kick a field goal Pat Freiermuth fumbles as well. Overall, Rudolph is developing but the offense took a huge step backward.

Defense: The defense was surprisingly dominated by the Lions rushing attack allowing over 200-yards. The secondary needs more practice tackling after watching all those arm tackles. It’s obvious Camron Heyward and T.J. Watt must carry the defense combining for 3 sacks Sunday. Something is wrong with Devin Bush after only having 8 tackles. Overall, the defense needs to get healthy to carry this team to the playoffs.

Injury Report

Steelers

LB T.J. Watt: Hip and Knee

LG Kevin Dotson: Ankle

CB Joe Haden: Foot

RG Trai Turner: Ankle

Lions

RB Jemar Jefferson: Ankle

S Tracy Walker: Concussion Protocol

OLB Trey Flowers: Knee

T Matt Nelson: Ankle