Almost everything happened during Kenny Pickett’s first career start, with Pittsburgh’s rookie quarterback departing the contest with a concussion halfway through the third quarter.
Mitch Trubisky, Pickett’s backup, ensured that his colleague won his first home start by making several crucial plays late in the game to seal the Steelers’ 20-18 surprise victory over the Buccaneers.
Pickett started the game with his first career touchdown pass on a 6-yard completion to Najee Harris, giving the Steelers a 13-12 lead. With 9:55 remaining, Trubisky increased the Steelers’ lead after Pickett departed the game by connecting on a 6-yard touchdown throw to Chase Claypool.
After a Buccaneers touchdown, Trubisky and Claypool converted two third-and-long situations, giving the Steelers their first victory at home in 2022.
Football was played in complement by Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ special teams groups were also key in the victory, while the offense also benefited from crucial stops made by the defense.
Chris Boswell’s 55-yard field goal in the first half and Steven Sims‘ 89-yard kickoff return to start the second half were two of the Steelers’ notable special teams plays. Sims’ return enabled Boswell to make his second field goal, bringing the Steelers’ advantage to 13-9.
The Steelers defense was able to put pressure on Brady while making crucial plays in the secondary despite playing without a number of starters.
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers almost had it
The Buccaneers, who started 2-0, have lost three of their last four games due to penalties and a lack of offensive rhythm.
After completing fewer than half of his pass attempts throughout the first half, Brady gradually rediscovered his rhythm. However, the Buccaneers’ running game never took off as they averaged less than 4 yards per carry.
Even while they performed admirably for the majority of the game, the Buccaneers defense’s inability to contain Trubisky after he took Pickett’s position sealed their demise.
When Pickett left the game, Pittsburgh’s offense was having a difficult time. Following Pickett’s departure, the Steelers turned things around by forcing two further three-and-outs.
On a third-and-13 play, Trubisky rewarded his defense by hitting George Pickens for 14 yards. He then gained 45 yards by hitting Connor Heyward in the open field before hitting Claypool with a pass to increase the Steelers’ advantage to eight points.
The biggest play Devin Bush has made as a Steeler so far may have been the deflection of Tom Brady‘s two-point pass to Chris Godwin with 4:38 remaining. Bush, a former first-round choice who has faced difficulties since sustaining a serious knee injury in 2020, was undoubtedly vindicated by the play.
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