Two Daniels interceptions let Pittsburgh escape a 16-3 hole

Tampa Bay had sacked Aaron Rodgers five times and kept Pittsburgh out of the end zone through three quarters. A 16-3 lead still disappeared, undone in part by two Jalon Daniels interceptions in the fourth quarter.

The Steelers won 26-19 in overtime Sunday, improving to 4-2 and sending the Buccaneers to 1-5. Rookie receiver Germie Bernard caught the winning six-yard touchdown, but the comeback had begun with Pittsburgh’s defense turning a struggling offense into a team with repeated chances to score.

Daniels finished 22 of 43 for 164 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions while starting for injured quarterback Baker Mayfield. His touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka and Chase McLaughlin’s kicking had provided enough offense to keep Tampa Bay ahead for most of the afternoon.

A lead that field goals could not protect

Rodgers finally reached the end zone on a five-yard pass to Darnell Washington with 13:48 left in regulation. The score cut Tampa Bay’s advantage to 16-10.

Everette’s interception early in the fourth quarter created the possession that ended in Boswell’s 39-yard field goal. Boswell later tied it from 58 yards with 1:55 remaining. Daniels’ next interception was even more damaging: Jamel Dean returned it 40 yards and left Pittsburgh with a short field.

The Buccaneers’ defense prevented a touchdown, forcing Boswell’s 20-yard field goal. That kept Tampa Bay within 19-16, with 1:21 left, and gave Daniels an opportunity to recover. Completions to Ted Hurst for 22 and 13 yards moved the offense into range for McLaughlin, who hit from 53 yards with eight seconds left.

It was McLaughlin’s fourth field goal of the game. Boswell also made four, and both offenses were still searching for the touchdown that would settle the afternoon.

The overtime drive Tampa Bay could not stop

Tampa Bay chose to kick after the overtime coin toss, according to Pittsburgh’s official recap. Rodgers used the possession to lead a 12-play, 70-yard drive that consumed 6:45. Bernard’s touchdown catch finished it with 3:15 remaining.

The Buccaneers had their chance to answer, but Jalen Ramsey sacked Daniels on fourth-and-8. It was Ramsey’s second sack and Pittsburgh’s fifth. Nick Herbig also had two, while Yahya Black recorded one.

The ESPN box score lists Rodgers with 253 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Bernard caught 11 passes for 87 yards, and DK Metcalf added 11 receptions for 93. Tampa Bay’s early pressure had forced a difficult game, but it could not prevent the final drive.

Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols left with a hamstring injury and did not return, the Associated Press reported. Pittsburgh next faces New Orleans in Paris. Tampa Bay travels to Carolina with another close loss to examine.