The Pittsburgh Steelers had a first half for the ages against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. The offense posted 23-points, with the defense throwing in their own touchdown on a Bud Dupree pick-six.
However, that wasn’t what people were talking about. At least not specifically.
What the Steelers’ fan base, and social media around the globe, were talking about was this ridiculous stiff-arm by Vance McDonald on Chris Conte:
Tell that man get off you then!!!!!!! @VMcDonald89 Go Crazy!!! pic.twitter.com/T6vo2F4Upy
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) September 25, 2018
The 75-yard touchdown run was the reason why the Steelers didn’t just trade for McDonald prior to the 2017 regular season, but also why they were so patient with him as he dealt with a foot injury which kept him out of the lineup throughout training camp, the preseason and even Week 1 of the regular season.
What you saw on that play was the athleticism and playmaking ability Jesse James simply doesn’t have. However, when healthy, McDonald and James make for a pretty solid two tight end tandem.
But back to the business at hand...that stiff arm.
If you didn’t think the play by itself was noteworthy, just check out McDonald’s quote about the play, and how he handles defensive backs trying to bring him down, after the game.
Vance McDonald on his stiff-arm: "I love contact. If a DB or safety wants to take me up high, God bless them because I'm going to hit them hard. That's my goal."
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) September 25, 2018
McDonald’s play might be considered the play of the year for the Steelers, and not just for its bruising nature, but because it completely tilted the game in Pittsburgh’s favor. After another slow start by the offense, and a Tampa Bay touchdown, McDonald’s play sparked what turned out to be a remarkable half for the Pittsburgh offense.
Is it possible to trace a turnaround of a season back to one play? A stiff-arm heard ‘round the world, maybe? I guess we’ll find out...