**Steelers Edge Lions 29-24 After Controversial Ending, Push Detroit Closer to Playoff Elimination**
*DETROIT* — The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered a hard-fought 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, edging the Lions closer to playoff elimination in a dramatic contest decided by a late penalty.
Jared Goff appeared to seal the game for Detroit with a touchdown on the final play. However, the score was nullified after officials flagged Amon-Ra St. Brown for offensive pass interference. Goff’s fourth-down pass to St. Brown came just short of the goal line, with the receiver pushing off cornerback Jalen Ramsey to create separation. Before the Steelers could bring him down, St. Brown threw a lateral back to Goff, setting up an apparent touchdown. After a lengthy on-field review, officials ruled the play illegal, much to the dismay of the Detroit crowd.
**Steelers’ Ground Game Dominates in Fourth Quarter**
Jaylen Warren energized Pittsburgh’s offense with two explosive 45-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. He finished with a career-high 143 rushing yards, helping the Steelers overpower Detroit on the ground with a staggering 230-15 rushing yard advantage.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers guided the Steelers (9-6) to their third consecutive win, surging into the top spot in the AFC North with two games remaining. Meanwhile, Detroit (8-7) suffered its first back-to-back losses in over three years, dampening its slim hopes for a third straight NFC North title.
**Lions’ Late-Game Struggles and Penalty Woes**
Detroit’s playoff chances took a significant hit as two touchdowns were wiped out by penalties in the final minute. Goff connected with St. Brown on a 1-yard touchdown pass with just 22 seconds left. However, rookie Isaac TeSlaa was flagged for pass interference after setting a pick that freed up St. Brown, negating the score.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Goff hit Kalif Raymond for a 27-yard touchdown and Jahmyr Gibbs for a 4-yard TD, pulling the Lions within five points each time. Goff finished the game 34-of-54 for 364 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite conceding a season-high 481 yards, Detroit’s defense forced Pittsburgh to attempt a 37-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining — a kick that was missed by Chris Boswell.
The Lions had a chance to maintain offensive momentum after a fourth-and-2 from their own 35-yard line, thanks to back-to-back penalties against Pittsburgh for pass interference and tripping. The infractions moved the ball to the Steelers’ 35 and set the stage for the chaotic finish.
**Key Plays and Highlights**
Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and a memorable 45-yard touchdown to Kenneth Gainwell just before halftime. Initially ruled incomplete, the catch was reversed after a review showed Gainwell securing the ball while lying on his side, then getting up and running into the end zone.
In the third quarter, a safety was awarded to the Steelers when blitzing Kyle Dugger sacked Goff, putting Pittsburgh ahead 12-10. Pittsburgh then converted two fourth downs on a long 17-play, 64-yard drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes before settling for a field goal and extending their lead to five points.
Pittsburgh opened the scoring with a 59-yard field goal by Boswell on their first possession. Detroit was unable to respond early when, on a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line, Goff’s pass to St. Brown was broken up by Joey Porter Jr.
Goff’s 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie Isaac TeSlaa in the second quarter put Detroit ahead 10-3 before the Steelers rallied.
**Additional Notes**
– *Metcalf Incident*: Steelers receiver DK Metcalf had a brief altercation with a fan during the second quarter. The fan, dressed in black and blue with a blue wig, leaned over the railing as the two exchanged words. Metcalf swung a right hand toward the fan’s face but appeared to make little or no contact.
– *Steelers’ Record Streak*: Pittsburgh has now secured its 22nd straight season with at least a .500 record, breaking the NFL record previously held by the Dallas Cowboys (21 years from 1965 to 1985). Head coach Mike Tomlin has never finished below .500 in his 19 seasons.
**Injuries**
– *Steelers*: Cornerback Brandin Echols left the game in the second quarter with a groin injury. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) and offensive guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) were inactive, along with reserve linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring).
– *Lions*: Centers Graham Glasgow (knee) and Trystan Colon (wrist) were inactive. This gave 24-year-old Kingsley Eguakun his first start after limited action earlier this season. Guard Kayode Awosika (foot) missed his third consecutive game.
**What’s Next**
– *Steelers*: Head to Cleveland next Sunday for a key AFC North showdown.
– *Lions*: Take on the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night in a critical NFC North matchup.
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The Steelers have strengthened their hold on the division lead, while the Lions face an uphill battle to stay in the playoff hunt as the regular season nears its climax.
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/12/21/steelers-lions-penalty-ending-nfl-officials-jared-goff/
