By Ray Porter Jr.
PITTSBURGH, PA–The scene was as familiar as it was 50 years ago: Under a minute left in the 4th quarter with the Pittsburgh Steelers trailing the Las Vegas Raiders 10-6. They hadn’t scored a TD all game and they needed a miracle TD to win the game. And just like it was 50 years ago, the Steelers’ prayers were answered as they got the winning points. On December 23, 1972, it was QB Terry Bradshaw to (by way of a miracle) Franco Harris for a 13-7 win, and on December 24, 2022, it was Steelers QB Kenny Pickett to WR George Pickens for a 13-10 win at Acrisure Stadium and in front of an NFL Network National Audience that dubbed this game the “Holiday Classic.”
It was truly a win of Immaculate proportions.
“Man, I’m just so thankful of the effort of the guys. We had a chance to be a part of Steeler history tonight and, man, we don’t take that lightly,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “We’re just so appreciative of the ground that’s been laid by those that have come before us, the men like this man’s jersey [Franco Harris] that I’m wearing right here.”
After struggling to get into the end zone all game, Pickett was able to masterfully engineer a 10-play, 76-yard drive that was capped by a 14-yard pass that landed in the hands of Pickens for their first and only lead of the night, which proved to be the winner. For this to happen to a team that missed 2 field goals and turned the ball over in the Red Zone, it would truly be classified as a miracle.
It was also a game that was filled with emotion as they not only celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, but they also remembered and honored the Late Franco Harris by retiring his #32 jersey at halftime. Several of Harris’ teammates were on hand to celebrate the Hall of Fame RB’s jersey retirement.
“Man, we get to enjoy the fruit of their labor daily just in terms of the standard of the expectation here in Pittsburgh, the relationship that we have with our fan base,” said Tomlin. “We just want to honor him [Franco Harris], his teammates, and all the men that have come before us, man, that’s made the black and gold what it is. So, we’re just thankful to get the victory. I think it was a grow-up evening for us tonight. Obviously, this was not an easy game, but we showed resolve, we complemented one another, we stood up and didn’t blink, even when it got thick.”
Meanwhile, the current Steelers not only wore his #32 jersey at the beginning and end of the game (including Tomlin), but they also wanted to honor him with their performance on the field. But they had challenges with that in the first quarter as they opened the game trailing the Raiders 7-0 when QB David Carr (16/30, 174 yards, TD, 3 INT) found WR Hunter Renfrow (4 catches, 44 yards) for a 14-yard TD. The Steelers did march down the field to the Red Zone on several of their next drives, but they were only able to muster 3 points on a 44-yard FG from Chris Boswell to close out the first half.
In the second half, Pickett and the Steelers drove near the Red Zone again, only to get intercepted by LB Denzel Perryman. But the Steelers were able to get an interception of their own as DB Arthur Maluet picked off Carr, but once again, the offense couldn’t respond as Boswell missed his 2nd FG of the day. Pro Bowl S Minkah Fitzpatrick also intercepted Carr, but the offense still couldn’t capitalize.
The Raiders added 3 points on a 40-yard FG by K Daniel Carlson, but the Steelers’ defense would not give up any more points the rest of the game and they were also able to sack Carr 3 times (2 by DT Cam Heyward, 1 by LB Alex Highsmith) and force the Raiders to punt several times. They also held NFL Rushing leader Josh Jacobs to just 44 yards on 15 carries.
“Let’s be honest, we’ve been pretty clear that if we were going do something in this season that they had to play like that. They’re the more senior group,” Tomlin commented. “They got the more established players and so forth. So not that we don’t appreciate it, but it’s expected. I think they expect it of themselves probably the most important thing.”
The defense had pulled their weight, but it was now up to the offense, which they finally did as the Steelers scored ten 4th quarter points to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. CB Cam Sutton sealed the victory when he intercepted Carr’s third pass of the game.
Pickett finished the game passing 26/39 for 244 yards, a TD, and an interception. RB Najee Harris led the Steelers with 53 yards on 16 carries. (The Steelers rushed for a collective 106 yards) and TE Pat Freiermuth led the Steelers with 7 catches for 66 yards. Pickens added 5 catches for 57 yards to go along with his game-winning score.
“I think all the guys made plays. They made the plays when called upon. I think the end of the game kind of reflected that. Muth [Pat Freiermuth] made a big play,” stated Tomlin. “Naj[ee Harris] made a big play jumping somebody. GP [George Pickens] made a play in the end zone. We’ve just got a bunch of young guys that’s got some talent. They’re getting better. They are good enough to win as that happens.”
The Raiders are now 6-9, but the Steelers are now 7-8 after starting the season 2-6. Their goal is to finish the season strong with 2 remaining games which begin with a trip to Baltimore to face the playoff-bound 10-5 Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
“They showed poise and resolve and made the necessary plays, and so we move forward. We move forward with a really good Christmas.” Said Tomlin.
Notes: Tomlin addressed the injury report: Tre Norwood, has a hamstring. Marcus Allen has a bicep that’s being evaluated. I think. The rest is bumps and bruises associated with play.”
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