Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks out on the field as quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) and cornerback Darius Rush (21) leave the field against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium. The Patriots won 21-18. Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Al Michaels was baffled by ‘bizarre’ Steelers play call in loss to Patriots

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 12/8/23

The Pittsburgh Steelers had one last chance at stealing a win Thursday against the New England Patriots. Amazon broadcasters Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit didn’t approve of how the Steelers used the said chance.

The Steelers (7-6) were upset 21-18 by the bottom-dwelling Patriots (3-10) at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Steelers trailed by as many as 18 points before mounting a comeback attempt in the second half. The home team was able to cut the deficit to three with just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh was facing 4th-and-2 at their own 49 right before the two-minute warning. Instead of going for a conservative play to try and extend their drive, the Steelers tried — and failed — to find wide receiver Diontae Johnson going deep.

Here is the play that will keep the #Steelers up tonight.

A failed 4th and 2 is one thing. But when it comes out of shotgun via a deep shot, it makes you shake your head. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/PQgMaFyuhg

— Rob G (@NFL_Rob) December 8, 2023

Michaels and Herbstreit couldn’t help but be critical of the Steelers’ decision following the turnover on downs.

Michaels: “First thing’s first.”

Herbstreit: “I don’t understand that call.”

Michaels: “Neither do I. That was bizarre, on a 4th-and-2?”

Herbstreit: “It’s real easy to sit up here and second-guess calls, but it’s such a low-percentage throw.”

"It's such a low-percentage throw…give yourself an option. They just threw it up there."

"Totally with you, dude. Totally with you."

Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels on a strange play call from the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/fxJd4OK5YR

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 8, 2023

The Steelers also went for a deep pass on 3rd-and-2 that resulted in an incompletion intended for wide receiver George Pickens. The team’s decision to double down on the aggressive playcalling did not pay off.

The loss dropped Pittsburgh outside of the AFC playoff picture to begin Week 14. The Steelers have lost both games since starting quarterback Kenny Pickett went down with a worrisome ankle injury.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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