**Steelers Edge Lions on Controversial Call, Push Detroit Closer to Playoff Elimination**
*Detroit* — The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered a dramatic 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, pushing Detroit to the brink of playoff elimination. The game ended with a controversial call that nullified a potential game-winning touchdown by Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
On the final play, Goff threw a fourth-down pass to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown just short of the goal line. St. Brown appeared to gain separation by pushing off cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Before the Steelers could tackle him, St. Brown lateraled the ball back to Goff, setting up what looked like a game-winning score. However, after a lengthy officials’ review, the touchdown was negated due to an offensive pass interference penalty on St. Brown, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
**Warren’s Explosive Fourth Quarter**
The Steelers leaned heavily on rookie Jaylen Warren, who burned the Lions’ defense with two explosive 45-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. Warren finished with a career-high 143 rushing yards as Pittsburgh dominated the ground game, accruing 230 yards to Detroit’s mere 15.
The victory improves the Steelers’ record to 9-6, marking their third consecutive win after a midseason slump. With two games left in the regular season, Pittsburgh now sits atop the AFC North.
**Lions’ Playoff Hopes Diminish**
Detroit fell to 8-7 after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time in over three years. This loss effectively ends their outside chance of securing a third consecutive NFC North division title. While the Lions have not been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, their odds are now slim.
The Lions’ offense showed flashes of life late in the game but was hampered by costly penalties. Goff connected on two key touchdown passes in the fourth quarter — a 27-yard strike to Kalif Raymond and a 4-yard touchdown to Jahmyr Gibbs — each time pulling Detroit to within five points. He also threw a 1-yard touchdown to St. Brown with 22 seconds remaining, but that drive was nullified by a penalty on rookie Isaac TeSlaa for offensive pass interference, who was deemed to have set a pick to free up St. Brown.
Goff completed 34 of 54 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns, while Detroit’s defense struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s high-powered offense, allowing a season-high 481 yards.
**Missed Opportunities and Key Plays**
In the final minutes, Detroit’s defense forced Pittsburgh to attempt a 37-yard field goal with just over two minutes left, but Chris Boswell missed the kick. Detroit then managed to earn a fourth-and-2 at their own 35-yard line after consecutive penalties on Pittsburgh for pass interference and tripping. This set up a chaotic finish but ultimately wasn’t enough for the Lions.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 266 yards on 27 of 41 completions. One of his highlight moments came just before halftime, connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell that was initially ruled incomplete but reversed upon review. Gainwell made the catch while lying on his side and managed to get to his feet before sprinting into the end zone.
In the third quarter, Goff was sacked by a blitzing Kyle Dugger for a safety, giving the Steelers a 12-10 lead. Pittsburgh then converted two fourth downs during a nearly 10-minute, 64-yard drive before settling for a field goal from the Lions’ 5-yard line, extending their lead to five points.
**Early Game Highlights**
Pittsburgh opened the scoring with a booming 59-yard field goal by Boswell. Detroit had an early chance to tie but failed on a crucial fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line when Goff’s pass to St. Brown was broken up by Joey Porter Jr. Detroit eventually took a 10-3 lead late in the first half on Goff’s 20-yard touchdown to TeSlaa.
**Metcalf’s on-Field Altercation**
The game also featured an unusual incident involving Steelers receiver DK Metcalf during the second quarter. Metcalf swiped at a fan leaning over the railing in the front row. The two appeared to exchange words before Metcalf threw a right-handed swipe toward the fan’s face, who was wearing a black-and-blue shirt and blue wig. Contact seemed minimal or possibly missed entirely.
**Steelers Extend Historic Streak**
With the win, Pittsburgh secured its 22nd consecutive season finishing at or above .500, breaking the NFL record previously held by the Dallas Cowboys, who had a 21-season streak from 1965-1985. Head coach Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers to at least a .500 record in each of his 19 seasons at the helm.
**Injury Updates**
– *Steelers:* Cornerback Brandin Echols exited in the second quarter with a groin injury. Outside linebackers T.J. Watt (lung) and Nick Herbig (hamstring), as well as guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps), were inactive.
– *Lions:* Centers Graham Glasgow (knee) and Trystan Colon (wrist) were sidelined, prompting 24-year-old Kingsley Eguakun to start at center for the first time after limited game action earlier this season. Guard Kayode Awosika missed his third consecutive game due to a foot injury.
**What’s Next?**
The Steelers will visit the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, while the Lions head to Minnesota for Thursday night football. Both teams will look to finish strong as the regular season winds down and playoff positioning comes into sharper focus.
https://www.capitalgazette.com/2025/12/21/steelers-lions-penalty-ending-nfl-officials-jared-goff/
