Steelers pay tribute to Franco Harris by rallying past Raiders 13-10
PITTSBURGH — With 46 seconds left, Kenny Pickett completed a 14-yard touchdown to George Pickens. The Steelers won 13-10 over the Las Vegas Raiders to cap three days of tributes for Franco Harris.
The Steelers also retired Harris’ No. 32 — The Hall of Fame running back, who died Wednesday at the age of 72, was also buried in Pittsburgh. However, Pittsburgh (7-8), kept its playoff hopes alive with a second victory over the Raiders. Las Vegas (6-9) was on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs.
Pickett drove the Steelers to 76 yards in just 10 plays on the 50th anniversary of Harris’ victory over the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs. The last play was a dart over Pickens’ middle, which Pickett drew wide open Pickens in his end zone.
Pickett completed 26 out of 39 passes for 244 yards, with a touchdown pass and an interception. The Steelers win for the fifth consecutive time after seven wins. Najee Harris had 95 yards, and tight end Pat Freiermuth fumbled seven passes for 66 yards.
Derek Carr threw for 173 yards, with a touchdown pass and three interceptions. The last one was a floater down the middle field that Cam Sutton picked up with 29 seconds remaining. Steelers rookie Connor Heyward ran for a 1st down to end the clock.
After a thrilling last-play win over New England, the Raiders lost their eighth one-score match of the season. They could be out of the playoffs before the weekends.
On a bitterly cold night, the Steelers paid tribute in many ways to Harris. While entering the stadium, players wore replicas of Harris’ jersey. Cam Heyward, the defensive captain, ran onto the field waving a huge flag with Harris’ number. Pickett shouted “Franco!” Franco!” Franco!”
It looked as though it would not be enough. Although Pittsburgh was able to move the ball well at times, it struggled once it reached the end zone. Pickett made his first interception in 145 attempts in the third quarter. Chris Boswell also missed two field goals.
Carr began in 8-degree weather, the Steelers’ coldest home game since 1989. He finished the 14-play, 71/yard opening drive with a touchdown to Hunter Renfrow.
But Las Vegas allowed the Steelers to hang around and Pickett, whose name was revealed by Harris when Pittsburgh selected him with the 20th pick in the spring’s draft, provided the Steelers their first memorable moment.
HONORING HARRIS
It was supposed to be a celebration weekend for one the NFL’s most iconic franchises, but it turned bittersweet when Harris passed away just two days before the 50th Anniversary of Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” against the Raiders in 1972.
Many of Harris’ Steelers dynasty teammates were present at the halftime ceremony. Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh’s president, was joined by his widow Dana Dokmanovich and their son Dok. Dokmanovich looked at Rooney as he handed Harris his jersey. Pittsburgh Hall of Fame defensive end Joe Greene was moved to tears.
INJURIES
Raiders: DE Chandler Jones, Raiders’ defensive end, was injured in the left elbow during the third quarter. He had collided with Maxx Crosby. He did not return. … LB Denzel Perman was injured in the left shoulder during the fourth quarter.
Steelers: CB Tre Norwood, Steelers, left the first half after suffering a hamstring injury. He did not return.
