The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a thrilling 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders, highlighted by a game-winning touchdown from newly acquired wide receiver Mike Williams. Five days after joining the Steelers via trade from the Jets, Williams made a 32-yard touchdown catch on a critical third-and-9 play with just over two minutes remaining. This was his only reception of the game, but it showcased why Pittsburgh sought him out before the trade deadline. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw three touchdown passes, delivered the clutch pass to Williams despite completing only half of his 28 attempts.
Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels also faced accuracy challenges, connecting on only half of his 34 attempts. Daniels had some success, particularly with star receiver Terry McLaurin, whose 54-yard catch helped set up one of two touchdown runs by Austin Ekeler. These scores allowed Washington to build a 10-point lead in the second half. However, the Commanders’ defense struggled to contain Wilson and the Pittsburgh offense when it mattered most, allowing the Steelers to rally and take control in the final moments.
The Steelers’ victory extended their winning streak to four games, keeping them at the top of the AFC North standings. Washington, now with a 7-3 record, fell out of first place in the NFC East as they await the result of the Eagles-Cowboys game. Pittsburgh’s resilience and timely plays were central to this hard-fought win, reflecting their tenacity under head coach Mike Tomlin. The close matchup against a competitive Commanders team was a testament to the Steelers’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Wilson’s performance was a mix of struggles and key moments. He rebounded from earlier errors, including an interception, to deliver crucial passes late in the game. When the Commanders extended their lead, Wilson responded with significant completions, setting up Najee Harris for a short touchdown run that reduced the deficit. The game-winning touchdown saw Wilson evade the pressure and find Williams in single coverage. Pittsburgh then effectively ran down the clock after drawing Washington offside on a fourth-and-1.
Mistakes were common for both teams, but the Steelers handled theirs more effectively. Pittsburgh’s defense stepped up after each turnover, including a critical stop on fourth down late in the game when Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee halted Washington’s Zach Ertz just short of a first down. Pittsburgh’s perseverance was also evident in their survival of an unsuccessful fake punt that led to a Commanders touchdown. Meanwhile, Washington’s muffed punt return helped set up another Pittsburgh touchdown, giving the Steelers an edge in capitalizing on errors.
For the Commanders, struggles in the run game and pass protection ultimately proved costly. With only 60 rushing yards, Daniels had to rely heavily on passing, making the offense one-dimensional. Though McLaurin and Jeremy Chinn provided standout performances, Washington’s defense could not contain Pittsburgh’s balanced attack. Wilson’s game-winning pass to Williams was the turning point, putting Pittsburgh ahead for good. Next, the Commanders face a pivotal division game against the Eagles, while the Steelers will host the Ravens in a crucial AFC North matchup.
