Lions vs. Steelers 2013 results: Detroit offense dries up in 2nd half as Pittsburgh wins, 37-27
A huge second quarter gave the Lions a halftime lead, but the Steelers defense locked down in the second half and a pair of Ben Roethlisberger touchdown throws handed the Steelers a win.
After putting up nearly 400 yards of total offense in the first half, the Detroit Lions offense came to a screeching halt in the second half as the Pittsburgh Steelers came from behind to win, 37-27, Sunday afternoon.
Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson were on pace to break the NFL single-game passing and receiving yard records after two quarters, but the offense put up just 65 yards in the second half as the Steelers overcame a seven-point halftime deficit.
Ben Roethlisberger hit Will Johnson with a 1-yard touchdown pass to put the Steelers up 30-27 in the fourth quarter, and Jerricho Cotchery grabbed a 20-yard score with 2:35 remaining to put the Steelers up for good.
The Lions pulled back from a 14-0 deficit in the second quarter when Stafford hit Johnson for a 79-yard touchdown to make it 17-10. The touchdown pass was not only the 100th of Stafford’s career, but moved him into first place on the Lions’ all-time career passing yards list.
The Lions would score 27 points in the second quarter to fire back for a seven-point lead heading into the half. Johnson caught his second touchdown of the game on a 19-yard strike from Stafford with just under four minutes remaining before intermission.
The Steelers clamped down in the second half, however, holding the Lions scoreless. Stafford went just 3-of-16 for 35 yards and an interception in the final two quarters as the Steelers came back for the win.
The Steelers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to a pair of big plays from receiver Antonio Brown. He took an intermediate pass from Ben Roethlisberger and raced down the right sideline for a 34-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter, then turned a short reception over the middle into a 47-yard score two minutes later.
Fantasy studs and duds
Despite their poor second halves, Stafford and Johnson still put up big fantasy numbers in the loss. Stafford threw for 362 yards, two touchdowns and one pick. Johnson finished with six receptions for 179 yards and two scores.
Big Ben had a big day, throwing four touchdowns to go along with 367 yards through the air. Antonio Brown fueled the majority of those stats, grabbing seven catches for 147 yards and two scores. Le'Veon Bell had a disappointing day on the ground, rushing for just 36 yards on 18 carries and failing to reach the end zone.
Injury report
Steelers wideout Emmanuel Sanders left the game with a foot injury and did not return, catching just one pass for 2 yards before his exit.
Detroit running back Joique Bell left late in the third quarter with an injury to his foot/ankle.
Did they cover?
The Lions entered as 3-point favorites, according to OddsShark.com, and failed to cover in defeat.
What’s next?
Sunday, Nov. 24, 1 p.m. ET: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday, Nov. 24, 1 p.m. ET: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
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