“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
Washington 23, Pittsburgh 17 – Week 13, December 7, 2020
After falling behind by 14 points in the second quarter, Washington stormed back to defeat Pittsburgh 23-17 at Heinz Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Entering the game at 4-7, Washington quickly found themselves down to the undefeated 11-0 Steelers when Ben Roethlisberger connected with Diontae Johnson from three yards and then James Washington from 50 yards.
But a Dustin Hopkins 49-yard field goal with only:01 remaining in the half not only got Washington on the scoreboard but also seemed to ignite the team.
Washington drove 82 yards in 14 plays on their next possession, drawing to within 14-10 when Peyton Barber scored from one yard.
On the first play of the final quarter, Matthew Wright’s 37-yard field goal extended the Steelers lead back to 17-10. But that would be the last time the Steelers would score, as Washington dominated the rest of the way.
Driving 53 yards in eight plays, Alex Smith’s 15-yard touchdown to Logan Thomas tied the score with 9:08 remaining.
A nine-play drive followed, resulting in a Hopkins 45-yard field goal for a 20-17 Washington lead with 2:04 on the clock. After a Jonathan Bostic interception, Hopkins’ 45-yard field goal closed out the scoring for Washington.
The game also turned the seasons of the two teams. Washington would go forward and win the NFC East, while the Steelers never recovered, losing four of their final five in the regular season and then also their first-round playoff game to the Cleveland Browns.