Plays of the Year: Kyle Dugger goes vertical for interception

Steel City Underground presents our 2025 Plays of the Year series: a weekly rewind through the biggest moments, breakout performances, and unforgettable highlights from last season’s Pittsburgh Steelers campaign.

In Week 17 of the 2025 NFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers went on the road to face the Cleveland Browns and walked away with a disappointing 13–6 loss. While the Steelers offense sputtered, the defense held up its end and came away with two interceptions that ultimately weren’t converted into points. Had those takeaways been turned into touchdowns, their upcoming meeting with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 wouldn’t have become a make‑or‑break showdown for the AFC North crown.

Just one week removed from making our highlight reel for Hit of the Week against Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions, safety Kyle Dugger had another outstanding play.

On Cleveland’s first offensive series of the fourth quarter, leading 10–6, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the Browns took over at their own 44-yard line after a missed Chris Boswell field goal. On 1st and 10, Joel Bitonio was flagged for a false start, pushing Cleveland back five yards. From 1st & 15 at the CLE 39, Sanders completed a 10-yard pass to Raheim Sanders before Cameron Heyward brought him down.

Facing 2nd & 5 at the CLE 49, Sanders took the snap with two players flanking him in the backfield and a tailback behind. The Steelers generated pressure up front while Alex Highsmith dropped into short coverage. Inside linebacker Malik Harrison shed his block and closed in from Sanders’ blind side as Derrick Harmon gained leverage from the opposite direction. Sanders lofted a pass toward Jerry Jeudy, but Dugger read it the entire way, jumped the route, and secured the interception.

Meet ’em up 🔝 @KingDugg_3

📺: #PITvsCLE on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/qqydPNOy4j

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 28, 2025

Dugger proved to be a valuable pickup for the Steelers throughout the season. In an already thin defensive backfield, his impact was undeniable. He led all Steelers defenders in the game with five solo tackles (eight total) to go along with his interception.

In just nine games with Pittsburgh, Dugger delivered 42 tackles, 2 interceptions—including a 73‑yard pick‑six—plus 5 pass breakups and a sack, immediately stabilizing a thin secondary.

Check back each week as we continue spotlighting the plays that defined the Steelers’ 2025 season — one moment at a time.