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Terrell Edmunds #34 watches the Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens game on the big screen following their 16-13 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham

In my 10th season shooting NFL games, I’ve never encountered a situation like what transpired at the end of the Steelers vs Bengals game.

With their playoff hopes in the hands of the Cleveland Browns, who had to defeat the Baltimore Ravens, about half of the team stayed on the field, along with thousands of fans, to watch the other game finish on the big screen. Terrell Edmunds was the first I saw, who held his hands up. Then T.J. Watt, who stood with coaches. Other players sat on their helmets on the field. But they were all glued on every move by Baker Mayfield and the Browns offense as they made their way down the field with less than two minutes remaining. A close catch. A review. It kept everyone on pins and needles through Heinz Field even though the game they were there for had been over for ten minutes. Then JuJu Smith-Schuster walked to the other side of the field and watched the game with two members of the team the Steelers had just defeated 16-13.

As the Browns went for it on 4th down, Mayfield threw an interception. Game over. Fans left and JuJu made his way to the tunnel. There’s still a slim chance that the Steelers make the playoffs, as I write this, if both teams in the Sunday Night Football game tie. But I think Lloyd Christmas had a better chance with Mary Swanson.

Thanks for following along all season with my coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I hope to bring you more sports coverage in the coming months and wish everyone a Happy New Year!