TAMPA, Fla. — Postgame reactions, comments and analysis following the Steelers’ 26-19 overtime win over the Buccaneers:
Rookie receiver Germie Bernard didn’t just catch the game-winning overtime touchdown from Aaron Rodgers. He put up career-high numbers for the second week in a row, and as the Steelers pile up the wins, their second-round pick is piling up big performances.
Bernard caught 11 passes for 87 yards on 12 targets, including a 19-yard catch that was the Steelers’ longest offensive gain of the game. DK Metcalf said he saw him every day in practice when Bernard took the field, and tight end Pat Freiermuth gave him some grief as reporters gathered around his locker after the game.
“Aaron trusted me, he found me and I took advantage of my opportunities,” Bernard said. “I just did what I could for the team so we could be successful.”
And the result was a historic day for Bernard, who not only scored his first NFL touchdown in style. He also became the first rookie in franchise history with 10+ receptions, 80+ yards and a touchdown in the same game. Ironically, Bernard still hasn’t scored in regulation time. From the looks of it, he won’t have to wait long for the next one.
As active as Bernard was, his veteran mentor was even more productive. Metcalf finished with 93 yards while being targeted 15 times and catching 12 passes, tying his career highs in both cases set while with Seattle.
And Metcalf had just two catches for 12 yards on two targets at halftime. He caught nine passes for 81 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime alone with the Steelers in catch-up mode.
Metcalf pointed out that head coach Mike McCarthy made the right play decisions against Tampa Bay’s zone coverage and Rodgers found him. Just like in the close loss in Cleveland, when it came time to come back, Metcalf was at his best.
“We just started executing the called plays and started making plays down the field,” Metcalf said.
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