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/ CBS Pittsburgh
(AP) Josh Allen threw three landing passes and scored on a franchise playoff-record 52-yard landing run, and the Buffalo Payments beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 on Monday in an AFC wild-card playoff sport that was postponed a day due to a lake-effect blizzard.
The Highmark Stadium stands erupted with snow being tossed into the air like confetti when Allen threw a 17-yard landing cross to Khalil Shakir with 6:27 remaining that restored a two-touchdown lead for Buffalo. Shakir caught the cross on the 10 over the center, after which slipped Minkah Fitzpatrick’s deal with try by spinning round earlier than outracing the remainder of the Steelers defenders into the top zone.
The second-seeded Payments (12-6), who closed the common season with 5 straight wins, advance to host Patrick Mahomes and the No. 3 seed Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the divisional spherical on Sunday night time.
“We have a resilient group. The veteran management that we’ve got, I actually assume it is unmatched within the league,” Allen stated of a crew that was 6-6 after an time beyond regulation loss to Philadelphia on Nov. 26.
The Payments have longed for a house playoff sport in opposition to the Chiefs after their 2020 and ’21 seasons ended with playoff losses at Kansas Metropolis.
“It is going to take a crew effort,” Allen stated. “We all know the kind of crew that they’re, clearly the kind of quarterback that they’ve in Pat over there. … Simply thanking God that we get one other probability to play one other sport.”
Allen completed 21 of 30 for 203 yards and ran for 74 yards on eight carries, turning into the primary quarterback in NFL playoff historical past to throw three or extra TD passes whereas dashing for 70 or extra yards and a rating. He did not have a turnover for simply the fourth time this season.
Mason Rudolph threw two landing passes with an interception in his first playoff begin for the Steelers (10-8), however Pittsburgh was too inconsistent on both facet of the ball to maintain up with Allen and the Payments. The Steelers misplaced their fifth straight playoff sport; the franchise’s most up-to-date postseason victory was precisely seven years in the past.
Rudolph, a longtime backup, took over for the injured Kenny Pickett and the ineffective Mitch Trubisky to guide the Steelers to 3 straight wins to shut the common season and was given the playoff begin even after Pickett recovered from an ankle damage.
“I am appreciative of the efforts. Nevertheless it’s not mystical. We did not do what was required to win tonight,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated, noting that two Steelers turnovers led to the Payments scoring 14 factors. “Cannot come into an surroundings like this with a playoff-caliber crew and switch the ball over like that and count on to be aggressive.”
Requested about his future in Pittsburgh after finishing his seventeenth season — all of them with a document of .500 or higher — Tomlin smirked and walked away.
Buffalo had a to attend an additional day to host the Steelers after a harmful storm that dumped greater than 2 ft of snow on the area, main the NFL to bump the sport from its scheduled Sunday afternoon begin.
The weather did not play a lot of an element. Although temperatures have been within the teenagers, the skies have been clear and there was solely a slight breeze blowing in off Lake Erie.
The Steelers got here out flat, permitting Buffalo to attain touchdowns on three of its first 5 possessions and construct a 21-0 lead on Allen’s electrifying landing run halfway by the second quarter.
Rudolph went 22 of 39 for 229 yards with an interception.
Allen’s 9-yard landing cross to Dawson Knox capped an 80-yard opening drive for the Payments.
After Buffalo linebacker Terrel Bernard recovered receiver George Pickens’ fumble on the Pittsburgh 29, Allen threw a TD cross to Dalton Kincaid on the following play.
Allen’s landing run got here after cornerback Kaiir Elam intercepted Rudolph’s cross meant for Diontae Johnson in the long run zone.
The Steelers lastly capitalized on one of many Payments’ few errors of the half, when coach Sean McDermott elected to aim a 49-yard subject objective into the wind with a bit greater than two minutes left.
Montravius Adams blocked Tyler Bass’ low kick. The ball squirted some 20 yards into Payments territory and was recovered by Nick Herbig at Buffalo’s 33. The Steelers scored 5 performs afterward Rudolph’s 10-yard TD cross to Johnson.
Pittsburgh finally reduce the result in 24-17 on Rudolph’s 7-yard landing cross to Calvin Austin with 10:32 left.
INJURIES
The Payments’ already depleted protection held up regardless of dropping a number of regulars to accidents. Buffalo allowed 324 yards and restricted the Steelers to changing 5 of 11 third-down alternatives.
Bernard was dominated out after twisting his proper ankle and beginning nickelback Taron Johnson didn’t return after being evaluated for a concussion. The Payments started the sport with out cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and linebacker Tyrel Dodson (shoulder).
The Steelers’ season got here to an finish after a 31-17 loss to the Payments on Tremendous Wild Card Weekend.
SEASON OVER: The Steelers’ season is over after they misplaced to the Payments 31-17. RECAP: https://t.co/9Fge9uq4Nh pic.twitter.com/gsxKMvQelB
The Steelers fell 31-17 to the Payments in New York. Click here for a have a look at all of the motion from the sport.
Josh Allen discovered vast receiver Khalil Shakir for a 17-yard landing halfway by the fourth quarter to offer the Payments a 14-point lead.
Shakir caught a cross over the center, shook at deal with from Minkah Fitzpatrick and dashed into the top zone with 6 minutes, 27 seconds left within the last quarter.
The Payments lead 31-17.
HOW IS THIS REAL?!?!
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/C3iUd0VyW0
Mason Rudolph discovered Calvin Austin to get the Steelers inside one possession within the fourth quarter.
Rudolph related with Austin for a 7-yard rating, capping off a 12-play, 75-yard drive.
Pittsburgh trails Buffalo 24-17 with 10 minutes, 32 seconds left within the fourth quarter.
.@Rudolph2Mason ➡️ @CalvinAustinIII for the TD 🎯
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSnfvVk pic.twitter.com/vnEMSDBSDU
The Steelers path 24-10 after three quarters of play.
Steelers defensive again Joey Porter Jr. is questionable to return with a doable concussion.
Porter was injured with 3 minutes, 42 seconds left within the third quarter after tackling Payments vast receiver Stefon Diggs. Porter then went to the locker room to be evaluated.
#Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. is being evaluated for a doable concussion. He’s questionable to return to the sport.
The Payments elevated their lead again to 14 factors after a 45-yard subject objective from kicker Tyler Bass.
Buffalo leads 24-10 with 1 minute, 32 seconds left within the third quarter.
The Steelers reduce their deficit to 21-10 on a 40-yard subject objective from kicker Chris Boswell.
The kick capped off a 9-play, 38-yard drive on Pittsburgh’s opening drive of the third quarter. Pittsburgh bought the ball after the Payments went three and out on their first drive of the half.
Pittsburgh trails 21-10 with 8 minutes, 50 seconds left within the third quarter.
The Steelers path 21-7 after two quarters of play.
The Steelers path the Payments 21-7 at halftime. How are you feeling Steelers followers? THE LATEST: https://t.co/9Fge9uq4Nh pic.twitter.com/jOYANAgDUV
Payments punter Sam Martin damage his hamstring making an attempt to chase down a blocked subject objective within the last minutes of the primary half of Buffalo’s playoff sport in opposition to Pittsburgh on Monday.
Martin pulled up holding the again of his left hamstring whereas making an attempt to chase down the ball, which was recovered by Nick Herbig at Buffalo’s 33. It occurred after Montravius Adams blocked Tyler Bass’ 49-yard subject objective try.
Martin was examined within the blue medical tent, although he returned to the sport within the third quarter.
Payments coach Sean McDermott opted to attempt the lengthy subject objective in frigid and windy situations along with his crew main by three touchdowns. Bass tried to drive the ball low, contributing to the block — which ended up offering the Steelers with momentum.
Mason Rudolph capped a five-play drive with a 10-yard landing cross to Diontae Johnson that reduce Buffalo’s result in 21-7.
With 1 minute, 39 seconds left within the second quarter, Mason Rudolph discovered Diontae Johnson for a 10-yard rating.
The landing got here 5 performs after the Steelers recovered a blocked subject objective.
The Steelers path 21-7.
.@Juiceup__3 in for six️⃣
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSnfvVk pic.twitter.com/ebiZhRGrB0
The Steelers’ particular groups unit made a giant play and blocked a Payments field-goal try, setting the offense up with good subject place.
Montravius Adams bought a hand on the 49-yard subject objective from Tyler Bass. The Steelers take over on the Payments’ 33-yard line trailing 21-0 with 2 minutes left within the second quarter.
Blocked 💪
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSnfvVk pic.twitter.com/cCW2nvCwqU
Josh Allen labored his magic and put the Payments forward 21-0 with 7 minutes, 1 second left within the second quarter.
On third down, Allen galloped 52 yards to the top zone, leaving the Steelers’ protection within the wind. Allen has three whole touchdowns on the day.
The landing got here eight performs after Pittsburgh’s purple zone turnover.
JOSH ******* ALLEN!!!!
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/PdKuDqemFI
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph threw a purple zone interception because the crew was driving to chop the deficit.
Rudolph was on the lookout for vast receiver Diontae Johnson, however Payments defender Kaiir Elam stepped in and grabbed the interception.
The turnover got here on second and objective from the 4-yard line with 10 minutes, 52 seconds left within the second quarter. The Payments lead 14-0.
KAIIR WITH THE INT‼️
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/bhJ4dIGLfl
The Steelers path the Payments 14-0 after the primary quarter.
When play resumes, Pittsburgh is closing in on Buffalo territory.
Finish of Q1 pic.twitter.com/Bv2dgJqblM
One play after a Steelers turnover, Payments quarterback Josh Allen discovered tight finish Dalton Kincaid for a 29-yard landing to reap the benefits of the Pittsburgh miscue.
The Payments lead 14-0 with 4 minutes, 10 seconds left within the first quarter.
Tight ends going back-to-back. 🔥
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/Ygmhv12d9v
Steelers vast receiver George Pickens fumbled the ball on the crew’s third possession of the sport, organising the Payments with a brief subject.
The Payments take over 29 yards from the top zone.
The Payments marched down the sector on their first drive of the sport to take a 7-0 lead.
Quarterback Josh Allen discovered tight finish Dawson Knox for a 9-yard rating with 7 minutes, 2 seconds left within the first quarter.
Allen went 5-for-5 passing on the opening drive for 56 yards passing and the TD.
Josh Allen is losing no time
5-5
152.9 Cross Score pic.twitter.com/iBtBqJqrw5
The sector is obvious, however followers are braving seats filled with snow to look at the Steelers tackle the Payments at Highmark Stadium. See extra images from Orchard Park here.
After getting one first down, the Steelers punted the ball on their first possession of the sport.
Buffalo takes over on its 20-yard line for its first drive of the day.
HERE. COMES. JOSH.
CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/qgxZCWEFvX
The Payments received the toss and deferred, so the Steelers will get the ball first.
MASON RUDOLPH SZN IS HERE pic.twitter.com/WfUpdlrmG7
The Payments and Steelers have introduced their inactive lists for Monday’s sport.
Buffalo’s listing contains beginning vast receiver Gabe Davis and key defensive gamers Taylor Rapp and Rasul Douglas.
Right now’s inactives. #PITvsBUF pic.twitter.com/lQD4LgirbI
For the Steelers, T.J. Watt is the largest title on the inactive listing.
Discover out who will not play in at this time’s Wild Card Spherical sport in opposition to the Payments. @UPMCSportsMed https://t.co/VMii8PzSW9
Pittsburgh Steelers security Minkah Fitzpatrick is on the point of take the sector once more after his damage, and he is doing it with none sleeves.
Fitzpatrick was one of many first gamers on the sector for pregame. Whereas KDKA-TV’s Wealthy Walsh studies from the scene that it appears like zero with the windchill, Fitzpatrick was sleeveless.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is among the first gamers on the sector for pregame WITHOUT SLEEVES. It appears like ZERO with windchill proper now #HereWeGo @KDKA pic.twitter.com/t6FM6ZQsHP
(CBS/AP) — Video from inside Highmark Stadium exhibits a transparent subject, however the seats are nonetheless lined in snow with simply hours to go till kick-off.
The sector right here at Highmark Stadium seems to be good however the stands are one other story #HereWeGo @KDKA pic.twitter.com/D0KCtDW9jR
Shovel crews have been engaged on clearing the stadium seats, walkways and tunnels since Sunday, when snow fell at a price of greater than 2 inches per hour. Crews labored in a single day, with the Payments making a plea for extra volunteers early Monday.
Main roadways resulting in the stadium have been cleared, with 5-foot snowdrifts lining the roads after they have been plowed. It is unclear whether or not crews would have sufficient time to clear the 70,000-seat stadium’s three decks in time for kickoff.
The parking tons are clear although, and followers are already out tailgating.
Howdy Highmark Stadium! #HereWeGo @KDKA pic.twitter.com/MpR8THi2Kg
Steelers followers are discovering methods to benefit from the sport. Even a scheduling change will not cease them from displaying up and going all out in help, and companies are prepared.
KDKA-TV’s Chris Hoffman talked to an working associate at a bar on the North Shore about what they’re anticipating. Learn extra here.
Evgeni Malkin is prepared for the sport! The Penguins game in opposition to the Seattle Kraken was moved up this afternoon to accommodate Steelers followers. It is a Pittsburgh sports activities’ double function at this time.
HERE WE G(en)O!#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/F16XmVyz7f
The Steelers’ crew buses are prepared to go to the stadium for the sport in snowy Orchard Park, New York.
Steelers buses fired up and able to go @KDKA pic.twitter.com/vhUaudz8ze
All week, the Steelers stated they will not be fazed by the climate.
The Steelers are undoubtedly taking part in their finest soccer on the proper time, however the Payments are additionally purple sizzling, profitable 5 straight and 6 of their final seven.
Each groups must cope with the weather. Temperatures are forecasted to be within the teenagers at sport time, together with excessive wind gusts.
KDKA-TV’s Wealthy Walsh thinks the more severe the situations, the higher the possibilities the Steelers have. The Steelers have been one of the best dashing crew within the NFL for the final three video games, and the Steelers protection will get Minkah Fitzpatrick again.
Patrick Peterson may very well be the distinction maker for Pittsburgh’s protection later Monday. Josh Allen has thrown 4 interceptions within the final three video games.
“We have now to win this sport collectively,” Peterson stated. “We have now to struggle to the top, as a result of such as you stated, this can be a very, very excessive energy, highly effective offense. They bought actually, actually good edge rushers, they attempt to make it arduous on the quarterback to attempt to discover receivers down within the intermediate a part of the sector. So everyone knows that this can be a very, very powerful problem for us — hostile surroundings, you gotta battle the weather,” he stated.
.@Rudolph2Mason within the constructing 💼 pic.twitter.com/lboC6z6WT6
The Steelers have been scheduled to depart their downtown lodge at 12:30 to make their strategy to the stadium, adopted by a police escort and snow plows.
From CBS Sports activities:
Snow remains to be falling in Orchard Park, New York, residence of the Payments, as of Monday morning, with showers anticipated to proceed previous the midday hour, per The Weather Channel. Between 12-1 p.m. Jap, the snow is anticipated to taper off, with precipitation forecasts dropping from 32% at 12 p.m. to 24% by 2 p.m. However percentages will not fall beneath 10% till 5 p.m.
Temperatures are anticipated to stay comparatively stagnant from Monday morning by 4:30 p.m. kickoff, when the forecast requires someplace between 16-18 levels. The temp is anticipated to stay about 15 levels for a lot of the night. Winds, in the meantime, are set to hover close to 15 miles per hour round midday, solely to drop to round 10 miles per hour by kickoff earlier than one other slight dip thereafter.
In whole, snow accumulations on Monday are anticipated to be lower than one inch, although at the very least 12 inches had already fallen within the Orchard Park space as of Sunday night time, per the Nationwide Climate Service. The windy situations that occurred through the snowfall resulted in near-zero visibility in and across the Payments’ stadium through the authentic sport time Sunday.
To learn the complete story, click here.
As kickoff approaches, the Buffalo Payments are nonetheless on the lookout for individuals to assist shovel out Highmark Stadium.
An early morning publish on social media confirmed a daylight view of the venue.
Sport day morning in Orchard Park.
We nonetheless want shovelers to assist get Highmark Stadium prepared for at this time’s Tremendous Wild Card sport: https://t.co/adRvOZA3dm pic.twitter.com/wKtJ5K6hHg
With lower than 12 hours earlier than kickoff at Highmark Stadium, Wealthy Walsh joined the KDKA-TV Morning Information through the 6:00 a.m. hour, getting you prepared for the large matchup!
First Alert Meteorologist Ron Smiley has your forecast for kickoff proper right here!
As kickoff awaits in Orchard Park, crews are working around the clock to help get the stadium cleared and ready for fans.
Forward of the sport, the Payments put out a name for assist to clear snow on the stadium, providing $20 per hour as a part of the main enterprise of getting the venue game-ready.
The groups of shovelers heap the snow onto a big chute, which takes it right down to subject degree the place vans and equipment haul it away.
Some locals within the Buffalo space have been available on Sunday, serving to out because the snow was nonetheless falling, even having some enjoyable within the course of.
Buffalo Payments followers had a bit enjoyable whereas shoveling snow from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday!
Locals who may stroll to the stadium have been paid $20/hour to assist clear the snow. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/DvXDV9kOLv
On Saturday night time, the Buffalo Payments shared a video from inside Highmark Stadium that confirmed the whiteout situations on the time.
Present scene at Highmark Stadium.
Keep secure tonight, Payments Mafia. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/FSJvNht1ri
Wealthy has made it to Buffalo forward of the Steelers matchup in opposition to the Payments. Regardless of chilly, windy and really snowy situations… his hair remains to be perfection. @RichieWalsh #HereWeGo #Steelers @KDKA pic.twitter.com/wln75zPsdz
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