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Special Teams Duo Gainwell and Skowronek Lift Steelers to Week 1 Win

Summary

  • Kenneth Gainwell and Ben Skowronek made key plays on special teams
  • Gainwell forced a fumble, Skowronek recovered it to swing momentum
  • Skowronek also caught Rodgers' first TD pass as a Steeler
Special Teams Duo Gainwell and Skowronek Lift Steelers to Week 1 Win

On September 10, 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a thrilling 34-32 victory over the New York Jets in Week 1 of the NFL season. The Steelers' win was fueled by unexpected standout performances from two players: Kenneth Gainwell and Ben Skowronek.

Gainwell, a running back who joined the Steelers this season after winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, made a crucial play on special teams. In the fourth quarter, Gainwell was the first to reach the Jets' return man and punched the ball loose, leading to a fumble recovery by Skowronek. This momentum-swinging play proved pivotal in the Steelers' comeback win.

Skowronek, a wide receiver and special teams contributor, also had a big day for the Steelers. He caught Aaron Rodgers' first touchdown pass as the team's new quarterback, a 22-yard strike that brought the Steelers within striking distance. Skowronek, nicknamed the "Dirtbag" by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for his willingness to do the dirty work, played a key role in the victory.

These under-the-radar players stepped up when the Steelers needed them most, showcasing the depth and versatility that will be crucial for the team's success this season.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

FAQ

Kenneth Gainwell and Ben Skowronek, two players who made key contributions on special teams, were the Steelers' unsung heroes in the game.
Gainwell, a running back, forced a crucial fumble on kickoff coverage, which was recovered by Skowronek, swinging the momentum in the Steelers' favor.
Skowronek, a wide receiver, caught Aaron Rodgers' first touchdown pass as the Steelers' new quarterback, and he also recovered the fumble forced by Gainwell on special teams.

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