Week 18 Steelers Postgame Report: Social Media Reaction
This afternoon's game had a greater significance than just football. It was a day of unity and solidarity as both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns came together in a prayer circle prior to the beginning of the contest in tribute to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
The Steelers themselves came out with a spirited effort on both sides and beat the Browns convincingly by a score of 28-14, finishing the season 9-8 and ensuring head coach Mike Tomlin's 16th straight winning season. Unfortunately, the win was not enough for a spot in this year's playoffs, as the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, effectively booking their spot in the postseason.
Even with today's outcome, there were many positives. Running back Najee Harris recorded his second straight 1,000-rushing-yard season, finishing with 84 rushing yards on 23 carries. Rookie George Pickens led all pass catchers with 72 yards on three receptions. The defense came up big, recording seven sacks, two interceptions, and five passes defensed. Linebacker Alex Highsmith recorded 2.5 sacks, increasing his season total to 14.5. Veteran Cam Heyward finished the game with two sacks and eight tackles.
It was a season filled with peaks and valleys, yet the Steelers somehow found themselves in contention until the last game of the season. It was most certainly a bittersweet way to end the season.