Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers LB Payton Wilson makes incredible interception off Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nick Geddes | Last updated Nov 17, 2024 6:23 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) rookie linebacker Payton Wilson made one of the defensive plays of the season in Sunday’s 18-16 Week 11 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens (7-4).

With 8:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh clinging to a 15-10 lead, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with running back Justice Hill on a wheel route. Well, it appeared that way at first. As Wilson brought Hill to the ground, he wrestled the ball away from him to secure the first interception of his career.

PAYTON WILSON RIPS IT AWAY. WILD @STEELERS INT.

: #BALvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/lisvTk1lt7
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

There was some initial confusion whether Wilson’s interception should stand. CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore explained why the referee crew made the correct decision.

“As Justice Hill was falling, the ball was not securely in his control,” Steratore wrote on X. “The correct ruling was to let the action play out as he contacted the ground. Which is exactly what the zebras did on this play. Clean interception by Payton Wilson.”

Payton Wilson’s fourth quarter INT pivotal in Steelers’ Week 11 win over Ravens

When you factor in what it meant to the game itself, it’s even more impressive. Wilson’s takeaway gifted the Steelers another shot at getting points after quarterback Russell Wilson threw a red zone interception the drive prior. Chris Boswell‘s 50-yard field goal extended the Steelers’ lead to eight.

That extra possession was key, as the Ravens failed to convert the two-point conversion to tie the game after scoring with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: