Claypool helps Steelers to playoff berth, Instrumental in fourth quarter comeback

draft by Chase Claypool


Heading into Sunday, just about everything needed to go right for the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. On a long list of must have's, the two-win Jacksonville Jaguars needed to beat the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers could not tie, and the Steelers needed to win their own game against the Baltimore Ravens in order to make the 2022 NFL playoffs. 

With the number of games that needed to go their way, it was no secret that even before kickoff Pittsburgh's season looked as if it would be over after the final whistle.

But that is just too boring of a story.

Instead, in a time where almost everything in the world can be described as crazy, unpredictable, and chaotic, the Pittsburgh Steelers will again find themselves in the playoffs. After one of the worst losses in Colts history, a 26-11 upset by the now three-win Jaguars, and a 35-32 OT win by the Las Vegas Raiders, a game that was tied until the literal last minute, the Steelers 16-13 comeback over the Ravens was not for nothing. Alternatively, a vintage performance by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sealed Pittsburgh destiny as Super Bowl contenders once again. 

The Steelers win over the Ravens did not come easily. Both sides were playing for their chance at the playoffs and it showed.

The Steelers, down by 4, started the fourth quarter with what was in reality a game-saving interception caught by Cameron Sutton in their own end zone, one that of course stopped Baltimore from making it a 17-6 game but also gave Pittsburgh the momentum they needed. After another stop in the middle of the fourth, the Steelers offense charged up the field with under five minutes left. In the red zone Roethlisberger, threw a dart through Baltimore defenders, connected with Claypool for what will likely be his last regular season touchdown ever.

The Ravens managed to kick a field goal to tie the game following Claypool's touchdown and the game moved to overtime. Getting back on offense after a failed Ravens opening drive, Big Ben and the Steelers again worked up the field, this time converting on third-and-longs and fourth downs when necessary. After charging for 65 yards on 15 plays, Chris Boswell made the game winning field goal. 

Following the game, Claypool was nothing but complementary of Ben Roethlisberger. "Especially as the season was coming to an end ... you realize how special he is," Claypool shared when asked about Roethlisberger's ability to make big plays when they matter most. "When he walks on the field, doesn't matter away game or home game, the crowd goes crazy."

There is no doubt that Roethlisberger has had a hall of fame career but it is not done quite yet. The Steelers now prepare for their first playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday the 16th at 8:15 ET.






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