Steelers beat Raiders in Las Vegas

The Pittsburgh Steelers embarked on a crucial business trip to Las Vegas, leaving behind their offensive struggles from the first two games of the season. In a game that unfolded before an enthusiastic pro-Steelers crowd at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday night, the Steelers triumphed over the Raiders, securing a 23-18 victory.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin commended his team’s efforts and playmaking, expressing satisfaction with their performance and the victory. Kenny Pickett, who had faced challenges in the early season with just two touchdown passes against three interceptions, enjoyed a breakthrough, throwing two touchdown passes to Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth while amassing 235 passing yards.

The game witnessed a back-and-forth battle early on, with both teams seeking an advantage. The Raiders took the lead with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Devante Adams, capitalizing on a fourth-and-inches play-action.

However, the Steelers, who had struggled to pick up a first down, responded swiftly. Pickett connected with Austin for a 72-yard touchdown pass, the longest of the season for the Steelers, equalizing the score at 7-7.

The Steelers’ defense came to the forefront as Levi Wallace intercepted Garoppolo in the second quarter, leading to a 43-yard field goal by Chris Boswell and a 10-7 lead for Pittsburgh.

Boswell added another field goal from 42 yards before halftime, extending the Steelers’ lead to 13-7. T.J. Watt’s second sack of the game on third down further solidified Pittsburgh’s position.

The Steelers dominated the second half, with Watt once again making his presence felt. His pressure on Garoppolo led to an interception by Patrick Peterson, setting up a 57-yard field goal by Boswell, which pushed the lead to 16-7 in the third quarter.

The Steelers continued to assert their control, with Pickett throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Freiermuth, establishing a 23-7 lead late in the third quarter.

Despite a late surge by the Raiders, which included a touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Adams and a two-point conversion, the Steelers held on to secure the 23-18 victory.

The Steelers’ defense, which had been relentless throughout the game, proved pivotal in the closing moments. Pittsburgh’s ability to force turnovers and set up the offense in advantageous positions contributed to their success.

The game concluded with a second interception by Levi Wallace, sealing the Steelers’ impressive victory.

The Steelers now move forward with the confidence gained from this win, looking ahead to future challenges in the NFL season.