For the second straight week, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves competing on national television in a primetime slot, this time making the franchise’s first-ever trip to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday Night Football.
The last time these two teams met, it was an emotional night for the Black and Gold on Christmas Ev in 2022. The Steelers retired the No. 32 for Franco Harris at halftime on the night, but the ceremony came just a few days after Harris shockingly passed away, putting a pall on the night that was supposed to be a celebration.
The Steelers found a way to win that game in Week 16 against the Raiders late, 13-10, on a touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens.
There will be no frigid temperatures and poor conditions for the Week Three matchup inside Allegiant Stadium, therefore creating a better environment and playing surface than the one the two teams dealt with in Week 16 last season.
Coming off of a 26-22 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week Two thanks to a historic performance from a star-studded defense, the Steelers are looking to move to 2-1 on the season by getting the offense back on track under Pickett and third-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Las Vegas aims to bounce back from a disastrous 38-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on the road in Week Two, returning home to the friendly confines of the “Death Star” just off the Las Vegas strip for the 2023 home opener against a historic rival.
It will be an emotional night for the Raiders, too, who are honoring Hall of Fame quarterback Ken Stabler’s family. The Raiders will be presenting the Stabler family with his Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence prior to kickoff.
As always, refresh this page throughout the game as I will curate live updates, interesting tweets, video highlights and more. You can also visit the comment section at the bottom of the page where hundreds of fans gather every week to discuss the game in real time.
Kenny Pickett fires a 72-yard strike down the middle of the field on a deep ball to Calvin Austin III for the equalizing touchdown. Second straight week the Steelers have had a 70+ yard touchdown pass.
Game now tied at 7-7, 6:12 left in Q1.
Excellent blitz pickup by running back Jaylen Warren on the dime of a touchdown pass from Pickett, who hit Austin in stride. Nobody was ever going to catch him.
First play on the ensuing drive from the Raiders, T.J. Watt sacks Garoppolo. Steelers starting to get in rhythm now.
Steelers defense forces a quick three and out to get the ball back to the offense. Garoppolo misfires looking for backup running back Ameer Abdullah out of the backfield with Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander in coverage.
Steelers offense is on the move here. Pickett stands in the pocket on third and 8 and delivers a strike to George Pickens over the middle for first down. Pickett took a big shot from Las Vegas defensive tackle Jerry Tillery.
Steelers drive ultimately stalls. Pickett is sacked on 3rd and 4 by Las Vegas star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Punt from Pressley Harvin III downed inside the 15.
END Q1: Steelers 7, Raiders 7
Interception by Levi Wallace!
The Steelers cornerback steps in front of an ill-advised throw over the middle from Jimmy Garoppolo intended for rookie tight end Michael Mayer. Steelers football. First turnover forced off the night for the Steelers defense.
It’s Wallace’s first interception of the season and fifth as a Steeler.
The Steelers convert a 3rd and 1 with the Tush Push, borrowing a play out of the Philadelphia Eagles’ playbook. Steelers deep in Las Vegas territory now.
FIELD GOAL, Steelers
Chris Boswell drills a 43-yard field goal after the Steelers’ offense stalls on a 3rd and 4 with an incompletion from Kenny Pickett intended for Calvin Austin III on a back shoulder throw.
Steelers take a 10-7 lead with 8:33 left in Q2.
Steelers 10, Raiders 7
Steelers defense forces another quick three-and-out thanks to a big tackle for loss from Cole Holcomb on Josh Jacobs, shooting the gap for the splash play. A delay of game puts the Raiders in a third and very long. Steelers hod. Take over at their own 23 yard line with 7:04 left in first half.
Steelers are marching down the field here. Got some help from a third-down pass interference call on Las Vegas rookie corner Jakorian Bennett and then Jaylen Warren reeled off an 11-yard run.
Pickett then scrambled for 20+ yards inside the 5 yard line. Flag down though.
FIELD GOAL, Steelers
Steelers drive stalls in Raiders territory, but Chris Boswell boots one through from 42 yards out.
Steelers take a 13-7 lead with under two minutes to go in the first half.
Steelers 13, Raiders 7
Ouch. A rather ugly play there late in the first half from Jimmy Garoppolo. T.J. Watt beats Jermaine Eluemunor for a quick, clean sack, but Garoppolo gets rolled up on in ugly fashion, leading to a punt.
Steelers head into the half with a 13-7 lead.
Join us over at the second half thread for more Steelers-Raiders talk!
