A weekly series that captures the forgotten and hidden plays that led to the Pittsburgh Steelers winning or losing. Not the touchdowns, turnovers, or plays that will make the Monday morning highlights – the little ones that, looking back, played a key role in the outcome. I’ll start with a hidden moment that helped the Chicago Bears beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12.
No Line To Gain For Gainwell
The first down that wasn’t. Arthur Smith got into a habit of running in “and long” situations. At least three runs on 2nd and 10 or longer. And this Kenneth Gainwell carry on 3rd and 6 with the Steelers leading 14-7 midway through the second quarter, driving into Bears’ territory.
Gainwell motions out before breaking back in as one of several run-game variations and looks the Steelers planned for. Which, to their credit, largely worked well.
This one nearly ended before it got going. Gainwell had to immediately duck interior pressure, having just enough speed to gain the edge. Getting a great open-field block from LT Broderick Jones, Gainwell crashed over the marker.
Pittsburgh seemingly converted. The CBS graphic showed first down, the broadcast praised Gainwell for the play, and Pittsburgh huddled with its first-down personnel.
But replay assist overruled and called Gainwell short. It’s close but the sideline camera showed Gainwell inches shy. If the ball is in his right hand, first down. In his left as it was, fourth and inches.
Pittsburgh went into tush push mode. The play was a clunky mess. Quarterback Connor Heyward late off the ball, the surge not there. Even still, it appeared Heyward converted on second, third, and fourth effort.
Was this supposed to be a sweep to Gainwell that the team ran later in the game to great success? Maybe. But I don’t see evidence of that from the above angle. On Gainwell’s actual carry, Darnell Washington blocks out and Troy Fautanu sets his hips to seal the defense. Here, both plow ahead in typical tush push fashion.
There certainly was some issue with Gainwell on the play, Heyward had an animated conversation with him post-play, but I don’t think the intent was to hand him the football. Not here.
After the Steelers turned the ball over on downs, Chicago knew what to do. An 11-play drive to put the ball in the end zone and tie the game.
A major swing. Pittsburgh could’ve taken a 17-7 or even 21-7 lead. Chicago brought it back to level. In the second half, the Bears took the lead for good to send the Steelers to their most tenuous position of the season.
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