Steelers Squeak by the Jets in OT
Saturday January 15, 2005
Football doesn't get any more exciting than this. But after two heart-stopping missed field goals by the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers prevailed to win the AFC semifinal game in overtime, 20-17.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have never had a season like this, even in the glory days of the 70s. A 16-1 record. A 15-game winning streak. A star rookie quarterback who hasn't lost an NFL game. Yet the Steelers, and their fans, want more. Today's win over the New York Jets brings them one step closer to "one for the thumb" - a fifth Super Bowl victory.
It started off exciting for the home-field fans with 10 quick unanswered points by the Steelers in the first quarter. But despite all appearances the Jets weren't done. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington hung on to set up a 42-yard field goal by kicker Doug Brien early in the second quarter. A few minutes later, a 75-yard punt return by the Jets' Santana Moss quickly tied the game. And, as if to ram it home, Jets' safety Reggie Tongue intercepted a poorly thrown pass by Ben Roethlisberger late in the third quarter and took it 86 yards for the touchdown that put the Jets up 17-10.
After a long, solid drive in the fourth quarter, it finally looked like the Steelers had their confidence back. That is until Jerome Bettis fumbled at the Jets 24 - a rare mistake for the rock-solid running back. The Steelers hung on, however, and were able to tie the game with 6 minutes remaining in regulation with a four-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to wide receiver Hines Ward.
The Jets quickly took the ball back within field goal range, only to have Brien miss the 47-yard attempt by inches with 1:58 remaining.
Just when it looked like the Steelers finally had a chance to come back, Roethlisberger gave the Jets the ball back almost immediately, throwing a long pass which was intercepted by David Barrett. The Jets then moved the ball down the field to the Steelers 25, giving Brien his second chance at a game winning field goal - a 43-yard attempt with 4 seconds left in regulation.
Brien missed the game-winning field goal for a second heart-wrenching time, however, when the kick sailed far right of the goalposts.
Given second life by those missed field-goal attempts, the Steelers held off the Jets after they won the coin toss, and then hammered the ball 72 yards downfield to the Jets 15. Steelers kicker Jeff Reed then did what Brien was unable to do, kick a 33-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 20-17 win. The seemingly impossible win advanced the Steelers to the AFC Championship game next week at Heinz Field.
Related Resources:
Complete Super Bowl Coverage
Football Fan's Guide to Heinz Field
History of the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers Logo & Other Steelers Trivia
Gathering Places for Out-of-Town Steelers Fans
Pittsburgh Steelers 2004-05 Playoff Profile
The Pittsburgh Steelers have never had a season like this, even in the glory days of the 70s. A 16-1 record. A 15-game winning streak. A star rookie quarterback who hasn't lost an NFL game. Yet the Steelers, and their fans, want more. Today's win over the New York Jets brings them one step closer to "one for the thumb" - a fifth Super Bowl victory.
It started off exciting for the home-field fans with 10 quick unanswered points by the Steelers in the first quarter. But despite all appearances the Jets weren't done. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington hung on to set up a 42-yard field goal by kicker Doug Brien early in the second quarter. A few minutes later, a 75-yard punt return by the Jets' Santana Moss quickly tied the game. And, as if to ram it home, Jets' safety Reggie Tongue intercepted a poorly thrown pass by Ben Roethlisberger late in the third quarter and took it 86 yards for the touchdown that put the Jets up 17-10.
After a long, solid drive in the fourth quarter, it finally looked like the Steelers had their confidence back. That is until Jerome Bettis fumbled at the Jets 24 - a rare mistake for the rock-solid running back. The Steelers hung on, however, and were able to tie the game with 6 minutes remaining in regulation with a four-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to wide receiver Hines Ward.
The Jets quickly took the ball back within field goal range, only to have Brien miss the 47-yard attempt by inches with 1:58 remaining.
Just when it looked like the Steelers finally had a chance to come back, Roethlisberger gave the Jets the ball back almost immediately, throwing a long pass which was intercepted by David Barrett. The Jets then moved the ball down the field to the Steelers 25, giving Brien his second chance at a game winning field goal - a 43-yard attempt with 4 seconds left in regulation.
Brien missed the game-winning field goal for a second heart-wrenching time, however, when the kick sailed far right of the goalposts.
Given second life by those missed field-goal attempts, the Steelers held off the Jets after they won the coin toss, and then hammered the ball 72 yards downfield to the Jets 15. Steelers kicker Jeff Reed then did what Brien was unable to do, kick a 33-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 20-17 win. The seemingly impossible win advanced the Steelers to the AFC Championship game next week at Heinz Field.
Related Resources:
Complete Super Bowl Coverage
Football Fan's Guide to Heinz Field
History of the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers Logo & Other Steelers Trivia
Gathering Places for Out-of-Town Steelers Fans
Pittsburgh Steelers 2004-05 Playoff Profile
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