It’s hard to shake doubt, especially when underperforming isn’t part of your identity. One hiccup, one uncharacteristic failure, can spiral quickly—particularly for specialists, where confidence is currency and memory can be cruel. For Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell, that reality stared him in the face entering a win-or-go-home Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
What followed was a gut punch to Steelers fans in the most critical moment of the game. Thankfully, Boswell's mistake did not harm Pittsburgh in the end.
Boswell botched a late-game extra point, allowing Baltimore a chance to win with a last-ditch field goal attempt. Luckily, Tyler Loop missed the 44-yard field goal in the game's waning seconds. The rookie's mistake allowed Pittsburgh to clinch the AFC North, win a 26-24 victory, and ultimately saved Boswell from a world of turmoil.
Ironically, Less than a week earlier, the veteran kicker endured one of the toughest outings of his career, missing two field goal attempts in an embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns. Those kicks didn’t just leave points on the field—they shifted momentum and amplified frustration for a fanbase already stretched thin. For a player who has built a reputation on reliability, it was jarring. Doubt crept in. Questions followed.
And in this league, that’s often where things unravel.
His “next step forward” mentality—quiet, steady, and unbothered—became the foundation Pittsburgh leaned on when everything else felt uncertain. With the season hanging by a thread and DK Metcalf sidelined, the Steelers didn’t need perfection. They needed poise. They needed someone who could make the most of limited opportunities.
And when Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin needed a lifeline in the first half, Boswell delivered. He just choked at the end.
The Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a playoff berth despite a nearly critical Chris Boswell hiccup
Two field goals. One extra point and a missed attempt. Eight of Pittsburgh’s 26 points. In a game defined by field position, physicality, and razor-thin margins, those kicks meant everything.
It wasn’t easy. Nothing about sealing an AFC North title ever is, especially against Baltimore. Every snap felt heavy. Every possession came with consequences. Yet Boswell stood alone, calm amid the chaos, and attempted to do his job. Sometimes that’s all winning football asks of you. Unfortunately, he came up a tad short.
However, his first-half efforts helped Pittsburgh clinch its 10th AFC North crown since 2002. That milestone won’t be remembered for fireworks or offensive explosions, but for resilience. For surviving. And Boswell’s contribution sits right at the heart of that story.
So, sure, we can celebrate a close call. But let's not forget the context. A week ago, he was the focal point of frustration. Sunday night was a repeat offense. That kind of turn of events is rare—and hopefully will be followed with accountability and preparation.
Without Metcalf stretching the field, every point mattered more. Boswell still gave the Steelers breathing room and, ultimately, another week of football. In January, that’s all you can ask for.
Now, like any true professional, Boswell will put this performance behind him. There’s no victory lap for kickers. Wildcard weekend awaits, and the margin for error only tightens.