Bizarre sequence to end regulation sends Seahawks-Steelers to overtime

How and why did the Seahawks-Steelers game wind up in overtime?

The Seattle Seahawks game at the Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the more confusing finishes to regulation of any NFL game in any year.

The Seahawks, trailing 20-17, had the ball and were driving with time running out in the fourth quarter.

Geno Smith hit DK Metcalf with a pass along the sideline. As the wide receiver was hit, he fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Freddie Swain.

As the clocked ticked away, and a Steeler tried to tug at Swain’s jersey, he raced the ball to the official, who placed it as Seattle desperately tried to clock it to set up a game-tying, field-goal attempt.

Smith clocked the ball as the clock appeared to strike three zeroes. However, the officials said the previous play was under review for whether Metcalf caught the pass.

That made no sense because Metcalf had run for a few yards after grabbing it and then fumbling it.

The review took place, the officials called it a reception and said 3 seconds were left.

The clock started on the ref’s whistle. Smith clocked the ball again, setting up Jason Myers.

The kicker nailed the 43-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at 20 and force OT.