On two second half plays – a five-yard run from Bell and a four-yard catch for Malcolm Floyd of the Chargers – officials blew forward progress dead despite the plays still actively moving forward and fighting for yardage.
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The thrilling ending of Monday night’s game between the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers may not have needed to be so thrilling. And they got it for a stunning victory.
With just five seconds on the clock and the Steelers down 20-17 to the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Tomlin let his best weapon, Le’Veon Bell, handle the ball – something that he opted not to do in that infamous Thursday night game in overtime. “Make sure I was safe to get the ball over”, he says. Given their remaining timeout, something like a QB sneak or a quick pass would have left time for a field goal if it didn’t succeed.
Kicker Chris Boswell’s 37-yard field goal pulled the Steelers to within 7-3.
LeVeon Bell, however, seemed to carry the Steelers on his back much of the night and it seemed appropriate that he was the g0-to guy at the end for the big win.
“We did what was required to win”, Tomlin said.
The Steelers improved to 3-2. The Steelers, who play host to the Cardinals on Sunday, tried to exploit San Diego’s porous run defense and take pressure off Vick, and Bell had a strong performance, rushing for 111 yards on 21 carries. We were checking in and out of plays and it was about as tough as it gets. “It’s how you finish”.
The offense came alive thanks to a big play, with Vick doing what he does best as a passer. To create the necessary blocking for the run game and protect Vick, Heath Miller was underutilized as a receiver but was key to helping move the Chargers defense onto their heals.
Of course, the game wasn’t without controversy as 18 seconds mysteriously ran off the clock between Josh Lambo’s touchback after his go-ahead field goal with 2:56 remaining and Pittsburgh’s first play of the game-winning drive.
“It’s not how you start,” Vick said after the game.
On the other side of the ball, the Steelers were struggling as they have been without their leader, Roethlisberger.
PICK-SIX: Antwon Blake intercepted Rivers’ pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 10-7 lead late in the third quarter.
-LT King Dunlap remains out with a concussion, missing his third consecutive game.
OPPOSING VIEW: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers didn’t appreciate the many fans clad in black and gold.
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Jeff Gross/GettyLe’Veon Bell scored the game-winning touchdown out of the wildcat formation Monday night. But Lambo also missed a 60-yarder near the end of the first half. It was the 100th career touchdown for Gates, who was playing for the first time this season after serving a four-game suspension.
