NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers beat Houston Texans 30-23 after second-quarter fightback
Tuesday 21 October 2014 08:29, UK
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed less than three minutes to score 24 unanswered points in an incredible second-quarter to help them beat the Houston Texans 30-23.
A mixture of trick plays and some lucky bounces saw Pittsburgh rally from 13-0 down into a 24-13 lead in two minutes and 54 seconds of high drama.
The Steelers had been roundly booed by the home support after a terrible start – but the jeers turned to cheers as they took a stunning lead.
Ben Roethlisberger threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, wide receiver Antonio Brown also threw for a surprise touchdown while Le'Veon Bell added 145 total yards and a receiving score.
"We fought through some adversity," Roethlisberger said afterwards. "You dont expect to score that many points that fast. It was crazy."
Arian Foster rushed for 102 yards and had a receiving touchdown for Houston but also had a costly fumble as the Texans were plagued by three turnovers.
Pro Bowl defensive lineman J.J. Watt dominated early for the Texans with a sack and a fumble recovery, but his team never recovered from Pittsburgh's second-quarter burst.
Spark
The spark began when Roethlisberger lofted a 35-yard pass to Martavis Bryant, who made the first catch of his NFL career to make it 13-10, before Houston added fuel to the home team's fire by fumbling on their next possession.
The Steelers capitalised on the opportunity in spectacular fashion, Brown taking a hand-off and reversing the field before launching a touchdown pass to fellow receiver Lance Moore.
Roethlisberger then connected with Bell on a short touchdown pass to give the Steelers a healthy half-time cushion, though only after they had once again been helped out by a turnover from the visitors.
Shaun Suisham kicked two of his three field goals in the second half to put the Steelers ahead 30-16 with about three minutes left.
Houston responded with a drive and a one-yard touchdown pass to Foster, but they could not recover their final onside kick attempt.
"We can't allow 24 points in (three minutes)," Watt admitted. If we can stop shooting ourselves in the foot I think well be alright."
