NFL: Steelers come out on top against Eagles
The Pittsburgh Steelers got back to winning ways as they edged out state rivals Philadelphia Eagles with a 16-14 win at Heinz Field.
The Eagles are no strangers to close games with their three previous wins coming by a total of just four points, but they ran out of luck this time around as they lost out to a last-second field goal from Shaun Suisham.
Again Michael Vick proved to be his own worst enemy as he fumbled the ball three times during the game, but once again he looked like he could get himself and his team out of trouble with a fourth quarter touchdown to Brent Celek.
Ben Roethlisberger still had plenty of time though, and he was at his elusive best to extend plays during a six-minute drive that went 64 yards and ended with Suisham’s game-winning kick.
Coming off a bye Pittsburgh welcomed back Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, and although Polamalu left the field early the Steelers defence hassled Vick all game with three sacks and eight hits.
Returning running back Rashard Mendenhall also had a good game in his seasonal debut, gaining 81 yards on the ground and running in the game’s opening touchdown from 13 yards.
A reinvigorated running game is what Pittsburgh have been crying out for, and their defence was also much more like the Steelers of old although they could not stop LeSean McCoy running in on a 15-yard pass from Vick.
Suisham slotted a 34-yarder before Vick finally got into gear with a lengthy eight-minute drive leading to Celek’s score that put them ahead for the first time – but their defence was unable to get one last stop against Big Ben.
Vick did finish the day with two touchdowns and no interceptions, although with just 175 yards passing and more question marks about his play as the Eagles slipped to 3-2 on the season.
Pittsburgh move on to an even 2-2 but will be worrying about losing Polamalu for more games after he limped off the field.
Mendenhall looked a big plus though with 101 total yards and his score, while Antonio Brown had seven receptions for 86 yards as the top receiver of the night.