The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their fourth game of the 2024 season because the offense didn't make plays when they needed to while the defense couldn't make the stops they needed to in the second half. The offense held the ball for just 5:50 in the second half on two drives totaling just 11 plays.
But the last play Pittsburgh ran with possession of the ball proved to play a role in why the Steelers didn't get another opportunity with the ball.
On fourth and seven with 10:40 to go in the fourth, the Steelers settled for a punt at the Philadelphia 46. The punt landed inside the 10-yard line, but a personal foul had Steelers fans excited that Pittsburgh would retain possession after the commercial break, but that wasn't the case.
As the broadcast returned to play, the Eagles had the ball at the three-yard line as Kevin Burkhardt explained that the official declared that the Eagles' defensive lineman head slapped Connor Heyward after the football left the right foot of Corliss Waitman, which enforced the penalty on the Eagles with possession.
However, a replay of the infraction makes it seem as though the ball was indeed kicked after the foul was committed.
Carter out here throwing hands. #eagles #steelers pic.twitter.com/5UzoLVRqMo
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 15, 2024
Waitman isn't in the shot, but the ball does come into the frame after Carter makes contact with Heyward's helmet.
Critical mistake by referees ruined Steelers' only chance of a comeback
It is worth noting that the NFL can piece together replay shots, lining them up to declare when something happened. We don't get that benefit, but this was also the only replay shown on replay.
It's often the case following a loss that fans target the officials for blown calls and poor officiating, but they may have a point in this instance.
Of course, fans can question whether Mike Tomlin should have called for the punt in this situation anyway, Besides, the Steelers had nearly 11 minutes to make a defensive stop and came up short. Nonetheless, this call will stick in the craw of Steelers fans until Saturday, at least.