Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joe Haden led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 17-12 win over the Los Angeles Rams with several great plays on the defensive end.
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Final Score
Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Los Angeles Rams 12
Pittsburgh Steelers
James Washington caught an end-zone fade for a touchdown over Troy Hill in the first quarter. Washington was the most productive Steelers offensive player with the exception of his fumble. Juju Smith-Schuster dropped a pass to end the Steelers’ second drive of the game. Diontae Johnson dropped a pass to start the Steelers’ third drive of the game.
Mason Rudolph threw one touchdown to Washington. Rudolph later threw a pass that was almost intercepted, as Hill was in a better position to catch the pass than Vance McDonald.
Javon Hargrave dominated as a pass-rusher with a strong bull-rush move that seemingly none of the Rams' interior protectors could handle.
Joe Haden had a great game as he made a number of plays on the ball tonight, including tipping Jared Goff‘s final pass of the night into the air for Minkah Fitzpatrick to intercept.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ best defensive play of the night came when Aaron Donald and Clay Matthews beat blocks quickly and sacked Rudolph for a safety. Steelers' David DeCastro and Zach Banner never stood a chance.
Taylor Rapp made some impressive tackles for short gains in run support and tackled McDonald for a loss after his catch. Nickell Robey-Coleman punched the ball out of Washinton’s hands, and the ball was recovered by Cory Littleton.
Goff once again didn't get much time to throw from his offensive line, who struggled mightily to block the Steelers in one-on-one situations and stunts. The game ended ironically with a clean pocket for Goff, who just made a poor decision as he threw an interception that sealed the win for Pittsburgh.
Cooper Kupp had a quiet night, and the Rams' passing game sputtered to a halt as a result. Todd Gurley produced good yardage with a number of big holes, but the run game was not a common theme for the Rams tonight.