ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Mike Hilton #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his interception with Avery Williamson #51 against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Bills Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
After a slow start to the first half, the Pittsburgh Steelers get on the board first following a turnover by the Buffalo Bills.
The much-hyped AFC battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills has been a slow, plodding affair for the better part of the first half. That all changed in the second quarter.
With the Bills having possession, quarterback Josh Allen threw a pass to tight end Dawson Knox for what appeared to be a first down. However, Knox bobbled the ball up in the air and into the hands of Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton. After a brief scare on a James Conner, the Steelers finally got on the board thanks to a 19-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to wide receiver James Washington, giving them a 7-0 lead.
Pittsburgh vs Buffalo a battle of the defenses
No one expected that the Pittsburgh-Buffalo game was going to be an offensive shootout akin to the Los Angeles Rams-Kansas City Chiefs game from the 2018 season. Yet, many though there would be some more points on the board.
When it comes to the defenses, Pittsburgh held the advantage in the turnover department. Prior to the Knox fumble, Allen attempted to throw a deep ball to receiver Cole Beasley early in the first quarter. The problem was that Allen under-threw the pass, and floated a lengthy amount of time in the air before landing in the gloves of Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton.
Knox learned the had way that he can’t tip passes against the Steelers defense, because they’ll make you pay for it.