Monday, December 18, 2017
Referees play role of Grinch, steal away Pittsburgh Steelers win over the New England Patriots
CP photos by Vincent Pugliese
Steelers tight end Jesse James attempts to secure the ball after a nine-yard touchdown that would have given the Steelers the lead with less than a minute to go. The call was overturned, and the Patriots defeated the Steelers 27-24.
The Steelers appeared to win the game late in the fourth quarter when Ben Roethlisberger hit tight end Jesse James in the numbers for an apparent touchdown. However, once officials were able to slow the tape down, zoom HD cameras in and take nine looks at the thing, they decided that James didn't have control of the ball for at least 25 minutes after the catch. At least, that's how the NFL's ridiculous catch rule appears to me and just about everyone else in the free world.
But that's water under the bridge, and I'm with coach Mike Tomlin when he said after the game: "I'm not going to cry over spilled milk and all of that crap."
In addition, Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown suffered a partially torn calf in the game. He will miss the rest of the regular season, but should be back for the playoffs. In the meantime, enjoy these game photos from CP freelance-shooter Vincent Pugliese.
Steelers Cameron Heyward sacks Patriots Tom Brady.
Patriots Stephon Gilmore knocks the ball away from Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant.
Steelers wide receiver Eli Rogers celebrates with teammates Juju Smith-Schuster and Chris Hubbard after Roger scored a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, right, pretends to take a picture of Antonio Brown and Eli Rogers celebrating after Rogers’ touchdown.
Steelers Cameron Heyward sacks Patriots Tom Brady.
Antonio Brown can’t come down with the catch on the play where he injured his calf.
Antonio Brown is helped off of the field after the injury. Brown didn’t return to the game.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws a deep pass down the sideline during the second quarter.
Steelers linebacker Vince Williams returns an interception of Tom Brady.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tries to settle his offensive teammates down during a drive in the third quarter.
Patriots Dion Lewis celebrates the touchdown that put the Patriots ahead late in the fourth quarter.
Tom Brady is pressured by Steelers Stephon Tuitt while throwing a pass down the sideline.
Ben Roethlisberger tries to avoid the Patriots pass rush in the fourth quarter.
Patriots Dion Lewis dives into the end zone for the touchdown that put the Patriots ahead late in the fourth quarter.
Pittsburgh Steeler fans try to control their emotions after the Patriots took the lead late in the game.
Steelers tight end Jesse James appears to cross the goal line after a nine-yard touchdown that would have given the Steelers the lead with less than a minute to go. The call was overturned.
Juju Smith-Schuster breaks away from the Patriots defense for a 67-yard reception late in the fourth quarter.
Patriots Duron Harmon comes down with the interception of Ben Roethlisberger to seal the New England Patriots 27-24 victory.
The New England Patriots defense celebrates their improbable victory over the Steelers.
Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady embrace at the end of the Patriots victory.
Ben Roethlisberger walks dejectedly off the field after the loss.
Tags: Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh Steelers , Steelers , Steelers Nation , Pittsburgh Sports , Patriots , New England Patriots , NFL , Image
