The design was perfect.
The initial execution was strong.
There was just one problem for the Steelers: Gunner James Pierre dropped the pass on a fake punt deep in their own end of the field.
Three players later, the Commanders were in the end zone to tie the game up at 7-all.
The Steelers did not convert their fake punt. @MrMatthew_CFB/X
It was a strange decision to call for a fake by coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers were ahead, 7-0, and at their own 16-yard line, facing 4th-and-15.
Had Pierre caught the pass from safety Miles Killebrew, it would’ve gone for a first down.
The Steelers ran the fake punt backed up near their end zone. @MrMatthew_CFB/X
Austin Ekeler scored shortly after the fake. Getty ImagesBut it was still a strange call, so deep in their own territory.
Ultimately, it came back to bite Tomlin and the Steelers.
The Commanders led the Steelers at halftime, 17-14.
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