Plays of the Year: Tyler Matakevich’s blocked punt lifts Pittsburgh past Cleveland
Steel City Underground presents “Plays of the Year” featuring the tops runs, catches, hits and everything else in-between for the Steelers 2017 season.
The 2017 NFL season kicked off with the Pittsburgh Steelers traveling to play against division foe Cleveland. It would be our first look at both, the high-powered Steelers offense and the revamped Browns.
Well, it was supposed to be that way anyway.
The game begins with Cleveland receiving the ball, and Browns QB DeShone Kizer taking the field. He would be stopped by Anthony Chickillo for a yard gain after scrambling in his first NFL play.
On second down, Cleveland would lose nine yards on a rushing attempt, before a false start penalty set them back for a 3rd-and-23 from their own 12. Following a short four-yard run, Browns punter Britton Colquitt stood a couple of yards in front of his goal line, waiting to punt.
And then the most Cleveland thing ever occurs: his punt is blocked by Tyler Matakevich and recovery by Chickillo in the end zone for a Pittsburgh touchdown.
While that was a poor start for the Browns, the Steelers failed to put up any more points until under a minute left in the half. The game would remain close, and the special teams play factored into the final score with Pittsburgh winning 21-18.
