The Pittsburgh Steelers season came to an end much earlier than anticipated after they fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars 45-42 at Heinz Field.
It was a mistake-free offensive performance from Jacksonville, as quarterback Blake Bortles completed 14 of 26 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown. And despite suffering an ankle injury in the 2nd quarter, running back Leonard Fournette rushed for over 100 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Statistically, is was a solid day for the Steelers offense. Ben Roethlisberger threw a season-high 58 passes, completing 37 for 469 yards and five touchdowns. Le’Veon Bell rushed for 67 yards on 16 carries, but also had nine catches for 88 yards and one touchdowns.
The Steelers also went 4 for 6 on 4th down, hitting three of those conversions for touchdowns. However, the Steelers didn’t convert on two fourth-and-one in Jacksonville territory. The Jags also turned the two Steelers turnovers, an interception and fumble by Roethlisberger, into 14 points.
Jacksonville converted eight of 14 third down conversions– while keeping Bortles on his feet the entire game. The Steelers– who led the NFL in sacks this year– did not record one in Sunday’s game.
The Jaguars move on to play the New England Patriots– who destroyed the Tennessee Titans 35-14– in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday at 3:05 p.m.
VIKINGS WIN THILLER/EAGLES ADVANCE
It was a wild ending to the final game of the Divisional Round weekend. With the game seemingly in hand for the New Orleans Saints and 10 seconds on the clock, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum chucked a 61 yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs as time expired to win 29-24.
The Vikings will face the Philadelphia Eagles, (Sunday 6:40 in Philly) who beat last year’s NFC Champ, the Atlanta Falcons Saturday night 15-10.