Series we’re bringing back to Steelers Depot that we began last year. A snapshot of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2018 season, a look at the singular best and worst play from each player on the roster. If I wanted to sum up a players season in 30 seconds, these are the plays I would look at.
Today, we’re looking at kicker Chris Boswell.
Best Play: 48 Yarder Versus New England
A week after the disaster against the Oakland Raiders – we’ll get to that in a second – and the criticism of Boswell at its peak, he came through with a clutch 48 yard field goal that split the uprights late in the 4th quarter against New England. That make put Pittsburgh up 17-10 so worst case scenario, the Pats would likely only tie the game if they mounted another touchdown drive. The defense ultimately got the stop but it sure made me at least feel better about Tom Brady getting the ball with two minutes to go.
At Heinz Field, in December, from that far out? Not an easy kick, even before considering all the issues Boswell had. He missed a 32 yarder earlier in the half. But this was a big one and to his credit, a good end to his season. He’d go on to make both of his field goal attempts against the New Orleans Saints the following week despite reportedly hurting his groin in warmups.
Still, a terrible year for Boz, no one is trying to argue otherwise, but this was a big moment. Credit where it’s due.
Worst Play: Slip/Miss To Tie Oakland
This one probably isn’t all his fault. The playing surface in Oakland just plain sucks. But it was depressing, deflating, and downright embarrassing. After giving up a late touchdown to the Raiders, James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster hook up for an awesome hook-and-ladder to get into field goal range, a minor miracle in itself. It’s a 40 yard attempt for Boswell to send the game into overtime. Simple enough, right?
If only wishing made it so.
Boswell fell on the banana peel on his attempt, slipping, falling, and sending the ball into the backs of his linemen. Game over. A crushing loss that contributed to the end-of-season collapse. Beat Oakland and if everything else remains the same, the Steelers make the playoffs.
