The Minnesota Vikings avoided a monumental collapse on Thursday Night Football, pulling off a nerve-wracking 36-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. Harrison Smith preserved the victory for the Vikings, dislodging the ball from Pat Freiermuth's hands in the end zone and denying the Steelers a last-second touchdown.
Vikings survive major scare to boost playoff hopes
It was another thrilling finish for the Vikings, who have been involved in one-possession games in all but one of their 13 outings this season. This season, four of Minnesota's seven defeats have been by three points or fewer, making the Vikings' 6-7 record in 2021 so disappointing for their fans.
Thursday's game should not have gone down the wire for Minnesota, with the Vikings dominating the Steelers for most of the contest. After the opening half, the Vikings built a commanding 23-0 advantage, with Minnesota punishing Pittsburgh's porous defensive line through the first two quarters. The Vikings outgained the Steelers, 300-66, in total yardage during that stretch.
Dalvin Cook starred for the Vikings during the first half, running for 153 yards and a couple of touchdowns on 14 carries. It was an incredible performance by Cook, who dislocated his shoulder just 11 days ago. Many expected the Vikings running back to miss at least two games because of that injury but there he was against the Steelers, punishing them with his long runs. He finished the game with 222 total yards.
LET'S KEEP COOKING!!!@dalvincook #ProBowlVote
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 10, 2021
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/P0pP3sQBl6
The Vikings stretched that lead to 29-0 in the third quarter, and stories were already being written at that stage about the Steelers' demise. Unfortunately for the Minnesota faithful, the cardiac Vikings showed up again as their 29-point lead suddenly went up in smoke.
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Pittsburgh's epic second-half rally falls just short
The Steelers finally got some points on the board with 2:11 left in the third quarter via a touchdown reception by Najee Harris. They immediately got the ball back after Kirk Cousins' pass was intercepted by Akhello Witherspoon following a deflection by Devin Bush. The Steelers took full advantage of that miscue, with Harris scoring a one-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 29-14.
Minnesota's offense continued to sputter in the following possession, with the Vikings recording a quick three-and-out. The Steelers quickly pounced, needing just three plays to engineer a 69-yard touchdown drive that sliced Minnesota's lead to nine points.
James Washington 30 yard touchdown from Ben Roethlisberger #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/NYadxdla6J
— Steelers Touchdowns (@SteelersTDs) December 10, 2021
The Vikings were able to keep it a two-possession game as they thwarted the Steelers' ensuing two-point try. Minnesota then calmed the home fans' nerves just minutes later, with Cousins throwing a 62-yard touchdown pass to K.J. Osborn to restore the Vikings' 16-point lead.
The Vikings should have secured the win after the Steelers punted with the score at 36-20, but they made another crucial mistake that kept Pittsburgh in the game. Cousins threw an interception with 5:08 left in the fourth, with Witherspoon returning the pick for 41 yards.
Pittsburgh needed just two plays and 44 seconds to score its fourth touchdown of the game. The Steelers also converted the two-point try, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
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