You know what they say: on any given Monday late afternoon, any team can win. The Washington Football team shocked many and beat the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in the Week 13 matchup.
The Steelers entered the day 11-0, hoping to keep control of the number one seed, and Washington sat at a less impressive 4-7, looking to stay near the top of the NFC East. Pittsburgh started off strong, but then came comeback time for Washington quarterback Alex Smith, who has all but locked up comeback player of the year, returning from a gruesome leg injury that took at least 17 operations to fix.
Alex Smith is simply incredible:
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) December 8, 2020
‣ Suffers compound fracture in right leg in 2018
‣ Needs 17 surgeries to help keep his leg
‣ Make's Washington's 53-man roster
‣ Takes role as No. 2 QB
‣ Regains job as starter in Week 10
‣ Beats undefeated Pittsburgh in Week 13
💪🙏 pic.twitter.com/QLAiqOMejC
The game saw a Curt Schilling-esque bloody sock moment from Smith and was tied as the fourth quarter was winding down, but a late interception set Washington up to win. Washington won, 23-17, leaving fans thinking they could have what it takes to be the NFC East team that punches a ticket to the playoffs.
According to NFL Research, Washington's 4-7 record was the worst by any team in NFL history to defeat a team that entered that game with an 11-0 or better record. The loss also says a lot about the Steelers.
Their divisional rivals Browns were celebrating the Steelers loss, breaking down all the ways Cleveland could win the division. Many Browns players reacted positively and wanted to thank Washington.
So you're saying there's a chance?
With 4 games left, who ya got? pic.twitter.com/mgNJRR04NI
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) December 8, 2020
Another team celebrating was the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only team to go undefeated in a season (including the playoffs and Super Bowl.) The 17-0 team likes to be in an exclusive club of one, so members always celebrates when there is no longer a chance for a team upstage them.
#WashingtonFootball #FinsUp #WASvsPIT pic.twitter.com/Ji824PF3P4
— Larry Csonka (@Larry_Csonka39) December 8, 2020
The Washington Football Team was quick with their own reactions as well. Take a look at a few:
how we're sleeping tonight pic.twitter.com/wEeoSHi11V
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 8, 2020
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 8, 2020
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 8, 2020
Other athletes and NFL fans were also quick to react to the big win on Twitter. Here are some of the best reactions:
Chase Young got a shoutout from LeBron James.
My guy! We gon keep rocking! https://t.co/k1cshPi3M9
— CY2 (@youngchase907) December 8, 2020
Joe Theismann predicted the future.
Don’t be surprised if the Washington Team beats Pittsburgh today.
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) December 7, 2020
Washington celebrated.
GREAT TEAM WIN‼️
— Cam Sims (@Silkysims17) December 8, 2020
Great team win baby 🐧🤪
— Tim Settle Jr (@tim_settle) December 8, 2020
Great team win 💪🏽 #wft #WashingtonFootballTeam #FightForOlDC
— Jennifer King (@JenniferKing5) December 8, 2020
Young's alma mater got in on the conversation.
One shot, ima Go! https://t.co/yMbd7HrxWl
— CY2 (@youngchase907) December 8, 2020
CPOY is a lock.
Comeback player of the year Mr. 11. THE Alex Smith.
— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) December 8, 2020
Super Bowl came early?
Damn beatin the Steelers was like winning the Super Bowl last night, huh?! 🤔😂 #PrayinOnOurDownfall #Still #HereWeGo
— Nate Washington (@nwash85) December 8, 2020
The Steelers and their fans aren't having as much fun.
#Steelers fans right now pic.twitter.com/Cnd5Xk6ZbQ
— Me (@Flee_Actual) December 8, 2020
This is also bad news for the New York Giants, who were banking on having a more comfortable lead over Washington in the division.
The Giants: “We beat the Seahawks, the NFC East is going to be ours.”
— Washington Football Talk (@WFTPod) December 8, 2020
Washington: *beats Steelers*
Giants: pic.twitter.com/hvrKpMJPSo
Don't let the NFC East get hot!
#Giants beat the #Seahawks in Seattle for their 4th straight win.#Washington beat the #Steelers in Pittsburgh for their 3rd straight win.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 8, 2020
NFC East: pic.twitter.com/0ASgadyDf6
