Lions end losing streak ... but remain winless with sloppy tie with Steelers
The Detroit Lions did not lose!
However, they did not win either.
Instead, they tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers at 16 on Sunday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, assuring they will not go 0-17 and set a new NFL record.
Will Harris made sure they did not lose, forcing a fumble from Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth at the 38-yard line with eight seconds left in overtime. Trey Flowers recovered. Pittsburgh did not have any timeouts, so it's unlikely it would've been able to kick the winning field goal.
The Lions benefitted from Pittsburgh mistakes, but again found a way to squander a win, like they have done so many times since 1957.
They have not won a game since Dec. 6, 2020 in Chicago, a 34-30 win, and a streak of 13 games.
The Lions held a 16-10 lead early in third quarter on Godwin Igwebuike's 42-yard run, but Ryan Santoso missed the extra point. Santoso was elevated from the practice squad to fill in for Austin Siebert, who was placed on injured reserve this week and can't return until after Thanksgiving. Santoso kicked in three games early in the season, two for the Lions.
Pittsburgh got Chris Bowell field goals from 23 and 51 yards to tie the game with 11:31 remaining in the fourth.
In overtime, the Lions had a few chances to win.
Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (Michigan) was called for defensive holding to wipe out a Minkah Fitzpatrick interception, and two plays later, a questionable roughing the passer call on cornerback Tre Norwood gave the Lions a first down at the Pittsburgh 34.
But TJ Hockenson was called for holding on third-and-4 with the Lions getting to the 25, and Kalif Raymond then picked up eight yards to the 30-yard line to set up Santoso, who missed low and short from 48 yards in the wet conditions.
On the first possession of overtime, the Lions drove to the Steelers' 41, but Jared Goff took a third-down sack and the Lions punted.
Theon Pittsburgh's second play of OT, Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert punched the ball away from Diontae Johnson after giving up a 39 yard catch-and-run, and Amani Oruwariye recovered at the Lions' 45.
The Lions have not won in Pittsburgh since 1955, their winless streak starting in 1959 against Bobby Layne, a run of 11 games.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions tie Pittsburgh Steelers, remain winless with sloppy game
