Steelers Storm Back to Beat Buccaneers 26–19 in Overtime, Cap Fourth‑Quarter Rally in Tampa

Bill Aikins

October 19, 2026

Image Credit – Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

TAMPA, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Steelers engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday, erasing a 13‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26–19 in overtime at sun‑soaked Raymond James Stadium.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, roughed up early and limited by injuries to multiple receivers, delivered a vintage performance when the game tightened. After being sacked five times through three sluggish quarters, Rodgers guided Pittsburgh to five consecutive scoring drives in the second half, flipping a game that had been controlled by Tampa Bay’s rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels.

Buccaneers Control Early, Steelers Struggle to Find Rhythm

Tampa Bay dictated the pace for much of the afternoon. Daniels showcased poise beyond his years, connecting with Emeka Egbuka on a 2‑yard touchdown to help build a 13–3 lead. Pittsburgh’s lone first‑half points came on a 52‑yard Chris Boswell field goal just before halftime.

The Steelers’ offense remained flat entering the fourth quarter — until Rodgers finally found a spark.

Fourth‑Quarter Momentum Shift

Rodgers opened the final frame with a 5‑yard touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington, cutting the deficit to 16–10 and igniting Pittsburgh’s comeback bid.

Boswell followed with a busy stretch, converting field goals from 39, 58, and 20 yards, while missing once from 48. His final make was set up by a pivotal defensive play: cornerback Jamel Dean’s interception, returned to the Tampa Bay 3‑yard line, giving Pittsburgh a 19–16 lead with 1:21 remaining.

But Daniels responded with a composed final drive, setting up Chase McLaughlin’s 53‑yard field goal with eight seconds left. McLaughlin remained perfect on the season, improving to 14-for-14, and forced overtime.

Overtime: Rodgers Takes Control

The Buccaneers won the overtime coin toss but elected to kick — a decision Rodgers punished immediately.

Pittsburgh marched 70 yards on a 12‑play drive, powered by Jaylen Warren’s tough running and key grabs from DK Metcalf. Rodgers capped the possession with a 6‑yard touchdown pass to rookie wideout Germie Bernard, marking Bernard’s first career score and giving the Steelers a 26–19 lead.

Tampa Bay’s ensuing drive reached midfield before stalling. On 4th-and-8, Steelers corner Jalen Ramsey delivered the decisive blow, sacking Daniels for an 11‑yard loss to seal the victory.

Looking Ahead: A Historic Trip to Paris

With the comeback win, Pittsburgh carries momentum into a landmark matchup next week. The Steelers will travel to Paris, France, to face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first regular‑season game ever played in France, adding global significance to an already compelling season storyline.