0-16-1? The Lions took their first win thanks to a missed goal by the striker, adding points in the game against Steelers
For the first time in this season, the Lions did not lose. They were able to put the Steelers the distance in Week 10 and draw a sloppy 16-16 game on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh.
However, they had a chance to win in extra time. Their main kicker, Ryan Santoso, couldn’t convert.
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The Lions failed to score in the first extra time, but they regained the ball after forcing Diontae Johnson to fumble. Detroit recovers the ball and can drive into goal.
In the end, the Lions managed to score at 48 yards. Santoso came on to try, but he had a short start with a low kick and looked ugly.
To be fair to Santoso, his effort took place in the middle of the game’s heaviest rain, so his ability to stay on the pitch couldn’t be better. However, a crucial miss represented the Lions’ best chance of securing their first win, as they were unable to get into range again.
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It wasn’t Santoso’s first miss of the day. He also missed an extra point after the Lions took the lead early in the third quarter. That makes the score 16-10 in favor of the Lions instead of 17-10.
That greatly determines the outcome of the contest. The Steelers were able to score two goals for the rest of the game for the game to end at 16 all-time. If Santoso gets the extra points, the Steelers will need to score at least one more touchdown to prevent the Lions from winning.
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This game seems like a monastery for Santoso. He’s made all three of his on-field goals and five of six additional attempts in three games for the Panthers, so he’ll be back – especially in better weather.
Even so, Lions fans must have mixed feelings about this draw. Dan Campbell and Co didn’t lose against a much-loved Steelers team, but the Lions were also close to victory.
