Steelers 23-18 Las Vegas Raiders: Kenny Pickett Passes For 2 Touchdowns

(CTN News) – The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-18 on Sunday night thanks to Kenny Pickett’s 235 yards passing and two touchdowns.

As a result of the first meeting between the franchises in Las Vegas, the Steelers secured their first road victory over the Raiders since 1995.

As the fourth quarter began, Las Vegas was trailing 23-7. In the final minutes of the game, the team had an opportunity to tie the game, but coach Josh McDaniels chose to kick a field goal rather than attempt to convert a fourth-and-four at the eight yard line.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) struggled offensively in their first two games, but they appeared much more effective against Las Vegas (1-2). George Pickens caught four passes for 75 yards and completed 16 of 28 passes completed by Pickett.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt recorded two of Pittsburgh’s four sacks less than one week after returning a fumble for the winning touchdown on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Raiders were the only team without a sack.

For the Steelers, Chris Boswell made three field goals, including one from 57 yards. The longest of his career is a 59-yard field goal against the Dallas Cowboys three years ago.

A total of three more interceptions were thrown by Jimmy Garoppolo, bringing his season total to six, a league high.

Garoppolo completed 28 of 44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, both to Davante Adams, who had another impressive performance. With 13 receptions for 172 yards, Adams finished the game with 13 receptions.

Josh Jacobs, the reigning NFL rushing champion, had nowhere to run once again. For the Raiders, he gained 62 yards on 17 carries, equating to just 106 yards through three games.

While the Steelers’ rushing attack has not been much better, Najee Harris did gain 65 yards on 19 carries. Just 53 yards were available to him when he entered the game.

Both teams were able to score long touchdown passes during the game. Garoppolo converted a fourth-and-1 with a three-yard pass to Adams, followed by Pickett’s 72-yard pass to Calvin Austin.

Late in the third quarter, the Steelers took control of the game. As the Raiders trailed 16-7, they drove to the Pittsburgh 48-yard line.

Garoppolo dropped back and had plenty of time, but was unable to locate an open receiver. Patrick Peterson intercepted a pass thrown into double coverage by him.

With 3:56 remaining in the game, the Steelers drove 81 yards on six plays, with Pickett completing a 13-yard pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 23-7 lead.

However, Las Vegas closed the gap to 23-15 with 5:41 remaining. After completing a one-yard TD pass to Adams, Garoppolo found tight end Michael Mayer for the two-point conversion.

Carlson scored his 600th career point with a 26-yard field goal with 2:22 remaining.

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