The Pittsburgh Steelers’ sluggish offense turned to a little trickery Sunday to score a touchdown.
If the play looked familiar to the Philadelphia Eagles, there’s a reason — it came straight out of Philly’s playbook.
Late in the first quarter with the Steelers facing 4th and goal at the 1, wide receiver Chase Claypool took the handoff on what looked like a sweep. Instead, Claypool threw a short pass to fullback Derek Watt for the touchdown.
.@ChaseClaypool ➡️ @DerekWatt34 for six!
📺 #PITvsPHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/WbBDnAeMnf
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 30, 2022
Eagles fans had to instantly recognize this clever play. According to NFL Research, Claypool became only the second wide receiver or tight end with a touchdown pass on fourth down since 2000. The other instance is one of the most memorable plays in NFL history — when Eagles tight end Trey Burton found quarterback Nick Foles for a short touchdown on the “Philly Special” against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Chase Claypool is the second WR or TE with a pass TD on 4th down since 2000.
The other?
TE Trey Burton who threw a 1-yard TD on the "Philly Special" against the Patriots in Super Bowl LII.#HereWeGo @Steelers @ChaseClaypool
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) October 30, 2022
Here’s another look at that classic play.
Less than 3 years after the Philly Special Doug Pederson is fired.
Despite what happened at the end of this year. I’ll never forget the Eagles somehow eating the Patriots. Nick Foles beating Tom Brady… and yes, Doug Pederson beating Bill Belichickpic.twitter.com/Dm0Fuywnbh
— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) January 11, 2021
Steelers’ fans loved the creativity of the play, something many say has been lacking in embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s offense.
“One good play won’t change the feelings about Canada but it was a damn good play,” tweeted Crystal Kreider.
“Curious if that will shut the pie holes of all the Canada haters,” tweeted another Steelers fan.
MATT CANADA MASTERCLASS
— jclrk05 (@jclrk05) October 30, 2022
Curious if that will shut the pie holes of all the Canada haters
— F. S. Flip Fisher (@Flipsteeler) October 30, 2022
One good play won’t change the feelings about Canada but it was a damn good play.
— Crystal Kreider (@Crispens87) October 30, 2022
one play makes up for having the worst offense in the last two years?
— Josh Evans (@JoshBroskiEvans) October 30, 2022
I just learned Chase Claypool is a lefty. 🙂#HereWeGo
— David X. Henry (@imau2fan) October 30, 2022
Canada making a good playcall pic.twitter.com/20tfMurR2q
— Joe Tracy (@joeytracy3) October 30, 2022
Can’t believe I’m saying this… hell of a play call by Canada. 😂 keep it up!!
— Booby Kaufman (@starmindset) October 30, 2022
This play tied the score up for the Steelers, but the Eagles outscored them 14-3 in the second quarter to take a 21-10 lead into the half.
[NFL Research on Twitter]
