TAMPA, Fla. — Postgame reactions, commentary and analysis following the Steelers’ 26-19 overtime win against the Buccaneers:
Rookie receiver Germie Bernard didn’t just catch the game-winning touchdown in overtime from Aaron Rodgers. He racked up career-high numbers for the second week in a row, and as the Steelers are stacking wins, their second-round pick is stacking big performances.
Bernard caught 11 passes for 87 yards on 12 targets, including a 19-yard catch that was the Steelers’ longest offensive gain of the game. DK Metcalf said he sees it every day in practice when Bernard steps on the field, and tight end Pat Freiermuth was giving him some good-natured grief as reporters gathered around his locker after the game.
“Aaron trusted me, he found me, and I made the most of my opportunities,” Bernard said. “I just did what I could for the team so we could have success.”
And the result was a historic day for Bernard, who didn’t just score his first NFL touchdown in style. He also became the first rookie in franchise history with 10-plus receptions, 80-plus yards and a touchdown in the same game. Ironically, Bernard still has yet to score in regulation. From the looks of it, he won’t be waiting long for the next one.
As active as Bernard was, his veteran mentor was even more productive. Metcalf finished with 93 yards as he was targeted 15 times and caught 12 passes, tying his career high in both, set when he was with Seattle.
And Metcalf had just two catches for 12 yards on two targets at halftime. He caught nine passes for 81 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime alone with the Steelers in catch-up mode.
Metcalf pointed to head coach Mike McCarthy dialing up the right play calls against Tampa Bay’s zone coverage and Rodgers finding him. Just like in the close loss at Cleveland, when it came time to storm back, Metcalf was at his best.
“We just started executing the plays that were called and started making plays down the field,” Metcalf said.