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Steelers' additions make big impact in win over Commanders
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) celebrates with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders late in the second half at Northwest Stadium. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Steelers' trade additions make big impact in win over Commanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers made two significant trade additions this week, adding wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets and EDGE rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. While neither player played a lot on Sunday, they both made big plays and key contributions to help them get a huge 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders.

Williams is the most meaningful addition because the Steelers have been desperately seeking another wide receiver that can make plays down field. Williams was only targeted on one pass, but it resulted in the game-winning 32-yard touchdown on a pass from Russell Wilson. It came on a third-and-nine play with just over two minutes to play in regulation. 

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Williams may not be the star player he was earlier in his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, but he still has the ability to get downfield and catch the deep ball. Wilson also excels at the deep ball, so it seems like it could be a strong connection. The Steelers got a taste of that here. 

It was a huge play because it not only gave the Steelers the lead, but it came just one series after they had fumbled the ball on the one-yard line with a chance to take the lead. The defense got them the ball back, and the offense delivered. 

Smith, meanwhile, did not record a tackle or play a lot of snaps, but he helped disrupt a Washington trick play on a third-and-long that ended a drive. He was acquired to give some additional pass-rushing depth behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. He might need to play a bigger role than originally anticipated as Herbig has missed a few weeks due to injury and Highsmith was injured late in Sunday's game. 

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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