You watched that Steelers vs Commanders clash, right? If you did, you know it delivered drama, big plays, and just enough chaos to keep everyone glued to the screen. If you missed it, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with a clean, factual breakdown of the numbers that actually mattered.
Let’s talk real stats, real performances, and what they tell us about where both teams stand.
Contents
- 1 Pittsburgh Steelers Performance Breakdown
- 2 Washington Commanders Performance Breakdown
- 3 Full Game Statistical Summary
- 4 Key Differences That Decided the Game
- 5 Player Comparison: Wilson vs Daniels
- 6 Defensive Contributions
- 7 What This Game Means Moving Forward
- 8 Honest Take: Who Looked More Complete?
- 9 Final Thoughts
Pittsburgh Steelers Performance Breakdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers edged out the Washington Commanders with a tight 28–27 win. The final score tells you this game stayed competitive until the last whistle. Pittsburgh didn’t dominate every category, but they executed when it counted.
They controlled the tempo. They managed the clock. They made their red-zone trips count.
That formula wins games in November.
Russell Wilson’s Impact
Russell Wilson completed 14 of 28 passes for 195 yards, threw 3 touchdowns, and added 1 interception. Those numbers don’t scream 400-yard explosion, but efficiency matters more than fireworks.
He attacked downfield when needed. He trusted his receivers in tight windows. Most importantly, he delivered the decisive scoring throw late in the game.
Quarterbacks earn their paychecks in moments like that.
George Pickens and the Passing Game
George Pickens hauled in 5 catches for 91 yards and 1 touchdown. He stretched the field and forced Washington’s secondary to respect the deep ball.
He created separation at key moments. He turned routine routes into chunk plays. That kind of reliability changes defensive play-calling fast.
Rushing Attack and Control
The Steelers generated 140 rushing yards. That number stands out immediately.
They didn’t rely entirely on Wilson’s arm. They established balance. They kept Washington’s defensive line honest.
When a team racks up over 100 rushing yards and still throws three touchdowns, defensive coordinators lose sleep.
Washington Commanders Performance Breakdown
The Washington Commanders fought hard and nearly stole this one. They didn’t collapse. They didn’t panic. They simply fell short by a single point.
That hurts more than a blowout.
Jayden Daniels Under Pressure
Jayden Daniels finished 17 of 34 for 202 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass in this matchup.
He moved the ball between the 20s. He showed mobility and composure. However, he failed to finish drives through the air.
Red-zone execution separates contenders from rebuilders. Daniels will learn that fast.
Terry McLaurin Carries the Receiving Load
Terry McLaurin delivered 113 receiving yards, and he looked like the most explosive player on Washington’s offense.
He beat coverage consistently. He attacked soft zones. He created space against tight man coverage.
Still, he didn’t find the end zone. That detail changed the scoreboard.
Ground Game Struggles
Washington managed just 60 rushing yards.
That stat jumps off the page. When you average limited production on the ground, you force your quarterback into predictable passing situations.
Predictable offenses rarely beat disciplined defenses like Pittsburgh’s.
Full Game Statistical Summary
Below you’ll find every major stat from the matchup summarized in one place for quick reference.
| Statistic | Pittsburgh Steelers | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 28 | 27 |
| Total Yards | 312 | 242 |
| Passing Yards | 195 | 202 |
| Rushing Yards | 140 | 60 |
| Completion/Attempts | 14/28 | 17/34 |
| Passing TDs | 3 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks | 3 | 3 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 7–16 | 5–14 |
| Time of Possession | 36:11 | 23:49 |
That table tells the whole story.
Pittsburgh controlled possession by over 12 minutes. They converted more third downs. They ran the ball effectively. They scored through the air.
Washington actually edged them slightly in passing yards, but touchdowns matter more than raw yardage.
Key Differences That Decided the Game
You can stare at stats all day, but let’s break down what actually decided this game.
1. Red Zone Execution
Pittsburgh converted passing opportunities into touchdowns. Washington stalled.
You can rack up 200 passing yards and still lose if you settle for field goals or empty drives.
2. Time of Possession
The Steelers held the ball for over 36 minutes.
They dictated pace. They kept Daniels on the sideline. They limited Washington’s total offensive opportunities.
Ball control still wins games in the NFL.
3. Balanced Offense
Pittsburgh’s 312 total yards came through both air and ground. Washington leaned heavily on the pass.
Balanced offenses stress defenses. One-dimensional attacks simplify defensive schemes.
That difference showed up in crunch time.
Player Comparison: Wilson vs Daniels
Let’s compare the quarterbacks directly.
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Wilson threw 3 touchdowns.
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Daniels threw 0 touchdowns.
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Wilson managed the clock effectively.
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Daniels faced constant third-and-long situations.
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Wilson capitalized on scoring drives.
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Daniels struggled to finish drives.
Wilson didn’t light up the stat sheet with yardage, but he controlled the narrative. He made plays when the scoreboard demanded it.
Daniels showed promise, but promise doesn’t beat execution.
Defensive Contributions
Both teams recorded 3 sacks each.
Pittsburgh’s defense forced pressure at critical moments. They disrupted rhythm. They forced Washington into tougher passing downs.
Washington’s defense showed grit, but they couldn’t close the door late. That final scoring drive by Pittsburgh shifted momentum permanently.
Defensive stops in the fourth quarter define playoff teams. Pittsburgh showed that edge.
What This Game Means Moving Forward
For the Steelers, this win reinforces identity.
They want balance. They want clock control. They want clutch quarterback play.
They delivered all three.
For the Commanders, this loss exposes growth areas.
They need stronger rushing support. They need red-zone sharpness. They need Daniels to turn yardage into touchdowns.
The talent exists. The consistency doesn’t.
Honest Take: Who Looked More Complete?
Pittsburgh looked more complete.
They didn’t dominate every stat. They didn’t blow Washington out. But they controlled the important categories.
When you win time of possession, rush effectively, convert third downs, and throw multiple touchdowns, you deserve the win.
Washington showed fight. They showed flashes. But flashes don’t seal games.
Final Thoughts
Steelers vs Washington Commanders match player stats reveal more than just numbers. They highlight execution under pressure. They expose weaknesses. They spotlight emerging stars.
Russell Wilson delivered in clutch moments. George Pickens stretched the field. Terry McLaurin proved he remains elite. Jayden Daniels showed upside but needs sharper finishing.
One point separated these teams. One touchdown pass defined the outcome.
That’s the NFL in a nutshell. Small margins. Big consequences.
If these two meet again, expect another tight battle. Just don’t expect Pittsburgh to give up that time-of-possession edge without a fight.

