The Pittsburgh Steelers won arguably the game of the year in the NFL on Sunday night, as they survived a last second comeback attempt from the Baltimore Ravens to clinch their spot in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh took a late 26-24 lead after Aaron Rodgers threw a deep ball to a wide open Calvin Austin in the end zone, but Chris Boswell missed the extra point, meaning all Baltimore needed was a field goal to win.
They got the shot they needed; a miraculous catch on fourth and seven by Isaiah Likely put the Ravens in field goal range with seconds left. Unfortunately for Baltimore, the lights were too bright for Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop, as he missed a 44-yard field goal as the clock expired.
Agony in Baltimore.
The Steelers will host the Texans next Monday night.
The Steelers are heading to the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
Even in the last two weeks we’ve had some instant classics: Chicago vs. San Francisco in week 17 and Los Angeles vs. Seattle in week 16 were some of the most intense games of the year. But neither of those games had the stakes that Sunday night’s game between Pittsburgh and Baltimore had.
Now, Pittsburgh will host Houston on Monday, Jan. 12 in the Wild Card round.
Rodgers Dodges Question About Retirement
NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark asked Aaron Rodgers the question many have been wondering for years now just after the game ended: “Does that mean you’re riding off into the sunset after this?”
Rodgers dodged the question, and instead opted to voice how much the playoff berth meant to him after two tough years in New York with the Jets.
“No I’m just – it’s been a grinding year, and two years were tough before that as well,” Rodgers said. “It’s been an absolute blessing to be here with these fans and this organization. I think we found something special, that belief tonight.”
Aaron Rodgers: “It’s been a grinding year and two years before that were tough as well”
Many thought Rodgers career may have been over after his season ending injury in 2023 with the Jets and his less than stellar return in 2024. Although it hasn’t been a spectacular season for the 42-year-old, he’s done enough to earn a spot in the NFL postseason.
“It’s pretty emotional, honestly,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a great year. I’m thankful for these guys, excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.”
Jobs Potentially Saved In Pittsburgh With Win
Mike Tomlin has been the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach since 2007, and he won a Super Bowl in his second season with the franchise. That was the last time he’d reach that summit though; The Steelers have become perennial one-and-done’s in the playoffs for the last decade; never good enough to make a run, never bad enough to tank.
This win may have saved Tomlin’s job. Another 9-8 season without a playoff berth may have spelled the end with the Steelers for the legendary coach. He still may be on the hot seat, but at least now he has a chance to prove himself in the playoffs against a strong Houston Texans team.
Aaron Rodgers Dodges Question About Future After Thrilling Win Over Ravens