SEATTLE—Najee Harris achieved a season-high of 122 rushing yards and powered his way into the end zone for two touchdowns as the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Employing a potent running game that encountered minimal resistance from Seattle (8-8), the Steelers (9-7) secured a chance at the postseason heading into the final week of the regular season, ensuring they would once again avoid a losing record under coach Mike Tomlin.
Harris had not surpassed the century mark in rushing yards this season, with his closest attempt being 99 yards against Cincinnati. However, he and Jaylen Warren formed a formidable rushing duo that proved challenging for Seattle to contain.
Harris averaged 4.5 yards per carry, achieving his first 100-yard game since Week 17 of the previous season against Baltimore. Warren contributed 75 rushing yards and scored on an 18-yard run in the first quarter.
Harris scored on a 9-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, breaking several tackles on his way to the goal line. In the third quarter, he added a 4-yard touchdown run with substantial assistance from his linemen, pushing the pile into the end zone to give the Steelers a 24-17 lead.
Against Seattle’s struggling run defense, Pittsburgh excelled, amassing 202 rushing yards and a season-high total of 468 yards. The Steelers became the sixth consecutive opponent to rush for at least 135 yards against the Seahawks.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 18 of 24 passes for 274 yards and delivered crucial throws when needed, including a pivotal 34-yard completion to George Pickens on third-and-6 early in the fourth quarter. Pickens’ outstanding diving fingertip catch set up Chris Boswell’s 26-yard field goal, extending the Steelers’ lead to 27-20 with 7:07 left.
Rudolph connected with Pickens for another 24 yards with two minutes remaining, securing a crucial first down as Seattle sought a defensive stop. Pickens concluded the game with seven catches for 131 yards.
Seattle (8-8) had its two-game win streak halted, and while the Seahawks haven’t been eliminated from the postseason, they now require a victory and significant help in Week 18.
Geno Smith threw for 290 yards and a 12-yard TD to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first half. Kenneth Walker III added 53 rushing yards and a 13-yard TD in the first half, but the Seahawks settled for three field goals in the second half, and Smith committed a key turnover.
Nick Herbig forced and recovered a fumble while sacking Smith with seven minutes left, giving the Steelers possession at the Seattle 16. Boswell’s 21-yard field goal with 4:31 left extended the Pittsburgh lead to 30-20.
Injuries:
Seattle suffered two significant blows to its offensive line. Starting right tackle Abe Lucas played the entire first half but was ruled out with a knee injury at the beginning of the second half. Three plays into the third quarter, center Evan Brown had to be helped off the field and was ruled out with a concussion.
Up next:
Steelers: Pittsburgh will face Baltimore in Week 18.
Seahawks: Seattle concludes the regular season in Arizona next week.
