Embracing it: When running back Kenneth Gainwell broke around right end for a 55-yard gain on what appeared to everyone as a tush push, he thought for sure he had one more yard and scored.
But, 'after further review,' he realized he just missed the goal line.
"I did think I got in the end zone," said Gainwell. "But I looked back at it, and my hand was out. But I thought I got it.
"It's within the moment. You think you scored, but the playback assistant thing that's going on is showing everything nowadays. Every little opportunity you get you try to score, get as much as you can.
"But we set it up for a touchdown the next play. Jaylen (Warren) got in, and I am happy for him."
Gainwell, who finished the day with 10 carries for 92 yards, a 9.2-yard average, and six receptions for 30 yards, said the play is something they worked on in practice, and it was just about using it at the right time.
"We worked a little bit and it was called, right place, right time," said Gainwell. "And we executed."
Gainwell has been executing a lot for the offense as of late as his role continues to increase, whether it be in the passing game, where he had 81 yards against the Bengals in Week 11, or to his performance this week.
"It's growing," said Gainwell. "I'm taking on that opportunity. I always talk about opportunities, and I'm taking full advantage of that.
"I'm just embracing it."
On the run: While the Steelers 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears was disappointing on Sunday, there were some positives to take from the game.
One such, was the ground game.
The Steelers put up 186 yards rushing on the day.
Running back Kenneth Gainwell had 10 carries for 92 yards, a 9.2-yard average.
Fellow running back Jaylen Warren had 18 carries for 68 yards, a 3.8-yard average, and one touchdown.
"We've two really good backs and our O-line is just coming together, getting better every week," said guard Mason McCormick. "We've been saying it all year. We just want to keep climbing, keep getting better every week."
McCormick has seen the growth in the line from last year, and from the beginning of this season, and it's paying dividends now.
"We just really want to attack every day," said McCormick. "Go out there and really it starts on the practice field. It starts on Wednesday.
"Fine tune the details and continue and just get better.
"I feel like we've got a lot of guys that can move well in space. So, we don't have to be pinned down to any certain scheme. I feel like we can do a good job, run on all sorts of different schemes, and I think our O-line coaches do a really good job of putting us in good positions."
Tackle Broderick Jones had to leave the Bears game with what Coach Mike Tomlin referred to as 'stingers.'
Veteran swingman Calvin Anderson stepped in and held down the fort, and McCormick said there is plenty of confidence in him.
"Calvin has always done a really good job," said McCormick. "So, we were confident with Calvin coming in, and so he came in and did a good job.
"We know it's the next man up mentality."
Going about their business: Over the last four weeks, the Steelers have had their ups and downs, with a win, followed by a loss, followed by a win, and then a loss.
It's something that could play with the psyche if you let it, but inside the Steelers locker room, that isn't the case.
Cornerback Brandin Echols said the key is not riding the emotional roller coaster.
"I mean, we're pros," said Echols. "We go through that every week, regardless of what team, what person.
"That's the way we go about our business."
Echols learned in his career you can't get too high with the highs, or too low with the lows. He spent his first four seasons with the New York Jets, where they didn't have a winning season and seven wins were the most he saw.
To still be in the heat of things in the division heading into Thanksgiving weekend is something new for him.
"I was just talking to Donte (Kent) earlier," said Echols. "I told him this is the most I won up to this point. No disrespect to the Jets, but that is just what it was.
"This is what I've been looking for coming into my career and I'm glad to get a taste of it now.
"We've just got to keep the main thing the main thing. You can't take any game for granted. We have to work day in and day out.
"We have to continue to get better every week."
This week will be another tough test with the 7-4 Buffalo Bills coming to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, led by quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen can be a threat with his arm or his legs, so it's something the defense has to be ready for.
"Details," said Echols of how to face the challenge. "Basically, that's all it comes down to. Details.
"From all three, special teams, offense and defense."
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
