Steelers explode in the 2nd half
The Steelers have always been known as a great defensive team and they are in 1997, but now they have a high-powered offense to go with that defense led by 1st year starting QB Kordell Stewart.
The Jaguars came into Three Rivers Stadium with a desire and a focus to climb back into the AFC Central divisional race. For 30 minutes, their plan was working. QB Mark Brunell was on fire. He threw for 192 yards and 2 TDs to WR Jimmy Smith, and the Jaguars held a 20-7 lead at halftime.
Then the Steelers exploded. On the Steelers’ first possession of the 2nd half Stewart hit WR Yancy Thigpen on a bomb for a 63-yard TD. Late in the 3rd quarter, Stewart scrambled out of the pocket and then threw another bomb. Thigpen found himself under the ball again and scored on a 70-yard TD this time. The Steelers led 21-20.
The Jaguars would not give up as Reggie Barlow caught the ensuing kickoff. He exploded through the wedge and juked the kicker and found himself in the open field. The Steelers could not catch him, so Barlow took the lead back for the Jaguars with a 101-yard kickoff return touchdown. The Jaguars failed on a 2-point conversion and led 26-21.
On the next Steelers’ possession, Stewart called his own number. He got the corner of the Jaguar defense on a called run and raced down the sideline for a 61-yard touchdown. The Steelers failed on the 2-point conversion and then closed the game with a 27-26 victory.
Yancy Thigpen had one of the best days as a receiver in the history of the NFL. He became the 4th player in NFL history to have 300 or 300+ receiving yards in the game. Thigpen finished with 11 catches for 300 yards and 3 TDs. On the season, Thigpen has 54 receptions for 1067 yards and 8 TDs midway through the season.
Stewart threw for 328 yards and 3 TDs. He also had 62 yards rushing with the TD. On the season, Stewart has 1818 yards passing and 15 TD passes. He also had 303 yards rushing with 3 TDS.
The Steelers (7-1) will travel to Arrowhead Stadium next Monday to face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC powerhouse matchup. The Jaguars will travel to Tennessee next Sunday.