Rob Gronkowski described it like a roller coaster.
The Patriots tight end had just caught three straight passes to set up the go-ahead touchdown, but could only bear witness from the sideline as the defense tried to make its last stand against Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, his team clinging to a three-point lead.
“The emotions were up and down on that last drive, on that last defensive drive, I can tell you that,” he said.
He watched as JuJu Smith-Schuster returned the final kickoff 22 yards, then weaved his way through the secondary on a 69-yard catch-and-run. He watched as Jesse James scored a 10-yard touchdown that briefly gave the Steelers the lead with 28 seconds left before it was overturned. And he watched the Steelers’ fake spike and subsequent Roethlisberger interception that was reeled in by teammate Duron Harmon.
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“And then you’re down, you’re up, you’re down, and then, boom, you’re down, you think he throws the ball, they’re gonna catch it, and then the ball pops up in the air, you’re like, ‘Ohhhh,’ and then we get the interception.
“The ride ended very well,” Gronkowski said after New England’s 27-24 victory on Sunday.
It was quite the ride and quite the ending for a franchise that clinched its NFL-record ninth straight division title with the win and put itself in the driver’s seat for the top playoff seed in the AFC.
But Gronkowski’s heroics would have meant little without the defense shaking off Smith-Schuster’s 69-yard gain and the overturned touchdown to get a second-down stop and come up with a turnover to end the game.
“Football is a crazy game,” said Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who finished 22 of 35 for 298 yards, a touchdown and an interception. “You just keep fighting and you fight to the end. Our defense did a great job. They gave up a play, but it got overturned and we came back and made a really good tackle there on the second-down play and then made a great play on the third-down play.”
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Safety Devin McCourty said all the screaming and yelling he and his teammates did before the fake spike was to make sure they all knew the fake spike was likely coming.
“I think all the great quarterbacks do that. If they can catch you sleeping to get an easy play, they’re going to try to do it,” he said. “So you can see us yelling and screaming the coverage, trying to line guys up and get set because we knew there was a chance. And if they spike it, they spike it.”
Gronkowski was ultimately the offensive lynchpin for that ride ending well for New England. He finished with a career-high 168 yards on nine catches, three of which set up Dion Lewis’s game-winning 8-yard touchdown run.
“He was doing it himself,” Brady said. “I think they were trying to challenge us and he just makes a lot of good plays and the other guys made good plays too, but if he’s open, he gets it. It was just a great game by him. He played so great.”
The fact that Brady went to Gronkowski on the crucial 77-yard drive was unsurprising, yet another display of dazzling chemistry between teammates.
“We’ve played so much football together, I have so much trust in him,” Brady said.
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“You’re trying to develop that chemistry over a long period of time. Gronk’s earned it and he played a helluva game. I’m just really proud of him. That guy fights his [expletive] off every day. Happy for him, happy for our team.”
Box score. | Play-by-play. | NFL scoreboard.
Below are updates from the game as it unfolded:
4th quarter: Patriots 27, Steelers 24
After Ben Roethlisberger threw what seemed to be a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jesse James with less than 30 seconds left to retake the lead, the officials overturned the call, ruling the pass incomplete. Two plays later, the Steelers ran a fake spike, Roethlisberger threw to the end zone, it was tipped by Eric Rowe, and intercepted by Duron Harmon, sealing the New England win.
4th quarter: Patriots 27, Steelers 24
Dion Lewis scored on an 8-yard touchdown run to give the Patriots the lead with less than a minute left.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connected three straight times for 69 yards to set up the touchdown. They also connected for the successful two-point conversion to make it a three-point game.
3rd quarter: Steelers 24, Patriots 19
Stephen Gostkowski made a 46-yard field goal to trim the Steelers’ lead.
It capped a nine-play, 44-yard drive. It was Gostkowski’s second field goal make of the game.
3rd quarter: Steelers 24, Patriots 16
The Steelers turned a turnover into a touchdown to extend their lead. Le’Veon Bell got into the end zone on a 3-yard run. Linebacker Elandon Roberts shot the wrong gap, allowing Bell to score.
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The Bell is ringing in Pittsburgh.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 17, 2017
PIT 24 | NE 16 pic.twitter.com/cePitF5bet
Brady intercepted
Steelers linebacker Vince Williams intercepted Tom Brady late in the third quarter at the New England 35-yard line and returned it 13 yards to the 22. It was the first interception Brady has thrown in Pittsburgh in 12 years (301 pass attempts), and it was his seventh interception of this season.
3rd quarter: Steelers 17, Patriots 16
Tom Brady threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks on the first possession of the second half, but Stephen Gostkowski missed the extra point and the chance to tie the game.
It was Gostkowski’s second missed PAT of the season.
Brady now has 28 touchdown passes this season, six of which have been to Cooks.
On the drive, running back Rex Burkhead walked off the field slowly after a 2-yard run inside the Pittsburgh 5-yard line. After trainers tended to him on the field, he went into the medical tent on the sideline and later to the locker room. He was ruled out with a knee injury.
Halftime stats
Total yards: NE 144, PIT 231
Plays: NE 20, PIT 35
Yards per play: NE 7.2, PIT 6.6
First downs: NE 8, PIT 13
Third down efficiency: NE 1-3, PIT 7-9
Time of possession: NE 10:07, PIT 19:53
Penalties-yards: NE 0-0, PIT 3-25
Tom Brady: 10-13, 132 yards, 108.5 rating
Ben Roethlisberger: 15-19, 182 yards, 2 TD, 141.7 rating
NE backs: Dion Lewis 4 carries, 20 yards, 1 catch, 13 yards; Rex Burkhead 1 carry, 1 yard, TD, 1 catch, 5 yards; James Whites 1 catch, 4 yards.
NE receivers: Brandin Cooks 1 catch, 43 yards; Rob Gronkowski 2 catches, 33 yards; Danny Amendola 2 catches, 23 yards; Kenny Britt 1 catch, 7 yards; Phillip Dorsett 1 catch 4 yards.
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PIT backs: Le’Veon Bell 12 carries, 50 yards, 4 catches 44 yards; James Conner 1 carry, 10 yards.
PIT receivers: Martavis Bryant 3 catches, 53 yards, TD; JuJu Smith-Schuster 3 catches, 36 yards; Antonio Brown 2 catches, 24 yards; Eli Rogers 1 catch, 18 yards, TD; Jesse James 2 catches, 7 yards.
2nd quarter: Steelers 17, Patriots 10
Ben Roethlisberger connected with receiver Martavis Bryant to score a 4-yard touchdown just before halftime.
The Steelers pieced together a clocking-eating, 15-play, 78-yard drive to retake the lead, and held the ball for 19:53 of the first half, including 8:39 on their final possession of the half.
On the touchdown drive, Pittsburgh converted four third downs, turning in the longest drive by time against New England this season.
2nd quarter: Patriots 10, Steelers 10
Stephen Gostkowski tied the score on a 32-yard field goal to finish off a nine-play, 61-yard drive that included a 31-yard pass from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski and receiver Kenny Britt’s first catch as a Patriot, which picked up 7 yards.
Brady is now 10-of-13 passing for 132 yards, having already completed a pass to eight different receivers.
2nd quarter: Steelers 10, Patriots 7
Chris Boswell made a 51-yard field goal to give the Steelers their first lead of the game. It capped a nine-play, 43-yard drive.
Brown injured
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown left the game in the second quarter with a calf injury and was later taken to the hospital for further evaluation, according to the team. He was initially ruled questionable to return following a collision in the end zone, however, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told CBS just before halftime that he did not expect to have Brown back in this game.
Brown was helped off the field by trainers and appeared unable to put weight on his left leg after getting tangled and colliding with Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe and safety Duron Harmon.
Brown went into the medical tent on the sideline before being taken to the locker room. He was able to put some weight on his left leg walking to the locker room.
Brown had an X-ray done on his left leg at Heinz Field, according to CBS’s Tracy Wolfson.
White to the medical tent
Patriots running back James White came up limping after a 4-yard reception late in the first quarter. After being tackled by cornerback Mike Hilton, White went into the medical tent for what appeared to be a twisted ankle. He later rejoined his teammates on the bench.
1st quarter: Patriots 7, Steelers 7
Ben Roethlisberger found Eli Rogers for an 18-yard touchdown to even the score and cap an eight-play, 69-yard drive.
Eric Rowe was in coverage on Rogers, one play after he was beat by JuJu Smith-Schuster on a 13-yard gain.
It was Rogers’s first touchdown reception of the season and Roethlisberger’s 25th touchdown pass of the year.
1st quarter: Patriots 7, Steelers 0
Rex Burkhead rushed for a 1-yard touchdown for the game’s first points, capping a six-play, 77-yard drive that included a 43-yard pass from Tom Brady to Brandin Cooks that set up New England at the Pittsburgh 7-yard line.
Rex! @RBrex2022 finds the end zone for the @Patriots! #NEvsPIT pic.twitter.com/Wv6X0h22qj
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2017
Brady was 3-of-3 passing for 60 yards on the possession.
It was Burkhead’s eighth touchdown of the season, which now leads the Patriots, and his sixth touchdown in four weeks.
It was the seventh time of the year that Brady and Cooks connected for a completion of 40 or more yards.
Shazier is at Heinz Field
Injured Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is at Heinz Field and was shown on the big screen waving a Terrible Towel. The crowd roared when they saw Shazier and even Tom Brady looked to see why fans cheered so loudly.
Ryan Shazier in the house pic.twitter.com/CnnsWNxcPX
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 17, 2017
Coin toss
The Patriots won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Steelers will receive the opening kickoff.
Brady takes the field to boos
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was booed as he took the field in Pittsburgh prior to the showdown with the Steelers at Heinz Field.
The booing is not unusual, but Brady, however, acknowledged the jeers. He turned to the crowd, raised his hands above him, and seemingly encouraged Steelers fans to keep it up.
And here is Tom Brady. How you feeling #PatriotsNation? pic.twitter.com/tDFwd7Q9uY
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) December 17, 2017
Tom Brady greeted by loud boos here at Heinz. He responds by raising his arms, seemingly asking the crowd to bring it on. #Patriots
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) December 17, 2017
Loud boos for Tom Brady as he jogs out of the locker room. He starts egging the crowd on, waving his arms to say, "bring it on"
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 17, 2017
Brady is 3-2 in his career at Heinz Field, including 2-2 in head-to-head matchups with Ben Roethlisberger.
Princiotti and Volin talk Patriots-Steelers
The Globe’s Nora Princiotti and Ben Volin discussed this matchup on Facebook Live from Heinz Field, talking inactives, how the Patriots will try to defend Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers’ defense, and more. Watch:
Warm it up
Here are some photos from warmups:
Inactives
For the Patriots, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, receiver Chris Hogan, defensive lineman Alan Branch, safety/special teamer Brandon King, running back Mike Gillislee, offensive lineman Cole Croston, and defensive end Geneo Grissom.
Defensive lineman Trey Flowers is active after missing last week’s game. Newly acquired receiver Kenny Britt is active.
For the Steelers, cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Vance McDonald, quarterback Joshua Dobbs, receiver Justin Hunter, safety J.J. Wilcox, offensive lineman Matt Feiler, and defensive tackle Daniel McCullers.
Setting the scene
Here are some photos from pregame:
I say it every time I’m here: Pittsburgh is cool pic.twitter.com/Gqz9NysNMP
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 17, 2017
“Antonio Brown ‘Business is Boomin!’” and “Big Ben Godsend” pic.twitter.com/zCrBzSri9C
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 17, 2017
Steel city showdown on tap. #Patriots #Steelers pic.twitter.com/v4JuIX55yk
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) December 17, 2017
Welcome to Gameday
It’s Week 15 and arguably the biggest game of the season is upon us.
The Patriots are in Pittsburgh for the seventh regular season (ninth overall) meeting between quarterbacks Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers are 11-2, atop the AFC, and have not lost since Week 5.
The Patriots are 10-3, on a short week after losing in Miami on Monday Night Football, and looking to win the head-to-head tiebreaker at Heinz Field.
Home field advantage for the AFC playoffs is likely on the line as is the top seed for the conference playoffs.
Game details:
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m.
TV/Radio: CBS / WBZ 98.5
Hogan out
Patriots receiver Chris Hogan was listed as inactive Sunday.
Hogan had only returned on Monday for the Patriots-Dolphins game after missing four games because of a shoulder injury suffered in October. He was listed on the Patriots’ official practice/injury report each day this week as having limited participation, and his game status was questionable. ESPN reported the shoulder injury was the reason he’d miss Sunday’s game.
The Patriots added receiver Kenny Britt during the week.
Hogan caught one of five passes thrown his way vs. the Dolphins.
Pregame reading
■ Here is Jim McBride’s thorough scouting report, which includes keys to victory for each team, players to watch, and who has the edge in each phase.
■ Nora Princiotti examined the question of the Steelers’ zone defense, which has been routinely destroyed by the Patriots, and whether they will stick with it this matchup.
■ Ben Volin’s film study breaks down why this has the potential to be a shootout.
■ Tara Sullivan penned an ode to Brady vs. Roethlisberger.
■ Julian Benbow sorted through the Steelers’ emotional state in the aftermath of Ryan Shazier’s devastating injury.
■ Dan Shaughnessy argues that despite the hype around the matchup and Pittsburgh’s positioning, New England will still win.
■ Chad Finn asks whether this matchup is a legitimate rivalry.
Pregame listening
CBS analyst and former Steelers coach Bill Cower joined Finn on our Season Ticket podcast to discuss the clash, how each quarterback has evolved over the years, and what this game will likely come down to. You can subscribe to Season Ticket here. You can also listen to Season Ticket on Spotify by just searching Season Ticket.
Injury notes
■ Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who has been dealing with a balky calf muscle, was downgraded to out. It’s the second straight game he’s missed. Special teamer Brandon King (hamstring) was also declared out.
■ The Patriots face arguably the best running back in the NFL, Le’Veon Bell, in this matchup, and they’ll be without gap-clogging defensive tackle Alan Branch. Branch suffered a knee injury Monday night in Miami Gardens and missed practice all week. He was declared out on the injury report Friday. Branch was hurt early in the game, retreated to the locker room, returned to the field, and promptly made a tackle before leaving again for good. The team re-signed Ricky Jean-Francois on Wednesday, likely as insurance for the 6-foot-6-inch, 350-pound run stuffer.
■ Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (shoulder) was ruled out.
■ It’s been four weeks since Joe Haden fractured his fibula against the Colts, and although the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback returned to practice this week, he is inactive.
■ With New England’s list of players on injured reserve stretching to 14 this week with the addition of Marcus Cannon, there’s a ton of talent tied up in rehab at this point in this season.
Right now, according to Spotrac, the average NFL team has 11.5 players on IR. The Steelers are relatively healthy, with just five players on IR. The number of players on reserve doesn’t capture the full picture of a team’s health, of course, as losing a key starter such as linebacker Ryan Shazier has a greater impact than a role player, or even several.
Having so many players on IR hasn’t correlated with postseason success for the Patriots — at least not by their lofty standards.
Since 2001, the Patriots have not made the Super Bowl with more than 11 players on injured reserve. They won Super Bowls in 2001, 2003, and 2004 with that many, then with just 10 in 2014 and seven in 2016. The Patriots finished with 14 players on IR in 2010, when they lost in the Divisional Round to the Jets and 18 in 2015, when they lost to the Broncos in the AFC title game.
— Nora Princiotti, Jim McBride, and Julian Benbow, Globe Staff
A few notes on the Patriots and Steelers
■ Bell has collected his three best receiving games of the season over the last three weeks — 77, 106, and 88 yards.
■ Bill Belichick (247-118-0, .677 winning percentage) and Mike Tomlin (114-58-0, .659) rank 1-2 among active coaches in winning percentage (50 games minimum).
■ The Steelers have gone for 2 points after a touchdown 37 times since Tomlin took over in 2007. They have converted 23, including 2 for 4 this season.
■ Since Week 6, the Steelers’ offense has put up the second-most total yards in the NFL (3,297).
■ Brady holds a 5-2 edge over Roethlisberger in head-to-head regular season meetings, including 2-2 at Heinz Field. He is 2-0 over Roethlisberger in the postseason, both AFC Championship Games and both at Gillette Stadium.
■ This is a homecoming game for Patriots running back Dion Lewis, who rushed for 2,860 yards in two seasons at the University of Pittsburgh.
“Pittsburgh is a great city,’’ said Lewis. “Those were two of the best years of my life when I went to Pitt, so it’s going to be great to get back there, back at Heinz [Field]. I’m definitely looking forward to it.’’
■ Going into this matchup, Rex Burkhead and Gronkowski are tied for the most touchdowns on the Patriots with seven. (Burkhead has three receiving and four on the ground.) Brandin Cooks, Dion Lewis, and Chris Hogan are tied for second with five.
■ In 42 career games before arriving in New England, Burkhead had four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving). He has nearly doubled that in nine games with the Patriots. He has accounted for five of the Patriots’ last nine touchdowns.
■ Cooks is the only Patriots receiver to score a touchdown in their last three games.
— Nora Princiotti, Jim McBride, and Julian Benbow, Globe Staff
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Follow Rachel G. Bowers on Twitter @RachelGBowers.