Just when it looked like the Seattle Seahawks were going to convert on another 4th and 1 and take advantage of a banged-up Pittsburgh Steelers defense, Cameron Heyward and Nick Herbig combined for a big play. And it led to an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass to DK Metcalf, giving the Steelers a late second-quarter lead.
Staring down a 4th and 1 with three rookies along the defensive front in Jack Sawyer, Yahya Black and Carson Bruener, it was Heyward who came up big. After getting quick pressure on play-action against Seattle’s Sam Darnold, tipped the ball into the air and into the waiting arms of Herbig. The third-year OLB raced down to the Seattle 21-yard-line, giving the Steelers great field position.
Herbig’s interception came after Heyward once again got his hands on a pass. Heyward tipped or batted down 11 passes at the line of scrimmage last season. He has a history of doing it, and in a big spot he did it again, leading to the takeaway.
It was the Steelers’ second interception of the day against Darnold as Jalen Ramsey picked off his first pass with the Steelers in the first quarter.
Six plays later, Rodgers tossed a jump ball to Metcalf, who skied over Seattle cornerback Coby Bryant for the 3-yard touchdown. After a pair of early drops against his former team, Metcalf made a pair of big catches on the drive, including a 9-yarder from Rodgers after drawing the Seahawks offsides.
Rodgers then found tight end Darnell Washington for the 2-point conversion, giving the Steelers a 14-7 lead.
The touchdown from Rodgers to Metcalf moved Rodgers into a tie with Brett Favre for most career NFL touchdown passes with 507. Rodgers spent three seasons learning under Favre in Green Bay, so the touchdown is a special one. The fact it went to Metcalf was rather fitting for both quarterback and receiver as the two have worked hard to establish chemistry and a friendship since joining forces.
