Game story
In Week 3 of the 2001 NFL season on 2001-09-30, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Buffalo Bills, pulling away with a 20–3 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
R. Johnson (Buffalo Bills) paced the passing game, with -3.44 total EPA.
On the individual side, C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +3.99 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-30.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Buffalo Bills changed the game: (:19) 20-T.Henry to PIT 35 for no gain (27-B.Alexander). FUMBLES (27-B.Alexander), RECOVERED by PIT-20-D.Washington at PIT 37. 20-D.Washington for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Buffalo Bills | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +3.99 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.99 EPA/play
- 2 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.84 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 3 L. Centers · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.21 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 4 J. McDaniel · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.13 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.56 EPA/play
- 5 A. Zereoue · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +1.81 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 6 J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +1.51 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 7 J. Riemersma · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +1.07 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 8 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · -0.43 total EPA · 1 snaps · -0.43 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala — PIT · Rushing
C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala posted the highest total EPA (+3.99) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 1 counted snaps, they averaged +3.99 EPA per play.
The signature play (-10.17 EPA) came from Buffalo Bills: (:19) 20-T.Henry to PIT 35 for no gain (27-B.Alexander). FUMBLES (27-B.Alexander), RECOVERED by PIT-20-D.Washington at PIT 37. 20-D.Washington for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — D. Washington
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
- Buffalo Bills — J. Arians
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 35 (Q1 45:19); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the BUF 2 (Q1 45:04) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the BUF 12 (Q2 33:51) — (3:51) 3-K.Brown 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the PIT 5 (Q2 30:37) — (:37) 9-J.Arians 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-87-D.O'Leary, Holder-85-J.Riemersma..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the BUF 34 (Q4 9:15) — (9:15) 3-K.Brown 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the BUF 22 (Q4 3:52) — (3:52) (Shotgun) 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala right end for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the BUF 2 (Q4 3:42) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Buffalo Bills (Q1 45:19) — (:19) 20-T.Henry to PIT 35 for no gain (27-B.Alexander). FUMBLES (27-B.Alexander), RECOVERED by PIT-20-D.Washington at PIT 37. 20-D.Washington for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 49:13) — (4:13) 3-K.Brown 33 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 36:31) — (6:31) 8-B.Moorman punts 42 yards to PIT 41, Center-87-D.O'Leary. 22-H.Poteat to BUF 20 for 39 yards (25-T.Driver).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 52:38) — (7:38) 21-A.Zereoue left tackle to PIT 47 for 32 yards (26-A.Winfield). A.Zereoue cut back to right side after finding room.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 41:44) — (11:44) 9-J.Arians 49 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Right Upright, Center-87-D.O'Leary, Holder-85-J.Riemersma.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Buffalo Bills (Q1 45:19) — (:19) 20-T.Henry to PIT 35 for no gain (27-B.Alexander). FUMBLES (27-B.Alexander), RECOVERED by PIT-20-D.Washington at PIT 37. 20-D.Washington for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 2:01) — (2:01) 10-A.Van Pelt pass intended for 89-A.Black INTERCEPTED by 30-C.Scott at PIT 23. 30-C.Scott pushed ob at BUF 15 for 62 yards (37-L.Centers).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 3:52) — (3:52) (Shotgun) 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala right end for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:26) — (:26) 10-K.Stewart to BUF 12 for -1 yards.
Quarterback report card
R.Johnson led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- R.Johnson (Buffalo Bills) · 29 dropbacks · 44.8% completion · -0.12 EPA/play · -3.44 total EPA
- K.Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 27 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · -0.08 EPA/play · -2.21 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.015 | -0.282 |
| Offensive success rate | 49.3% | 40.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.114 | -0.207 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.083 | -0.666 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.282 | +0.015 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.5% | 50.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.01 vs -0.28), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Buffalo Bills: 10 drives, -20.84 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 11 drives, -1.10 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Pittsburgh Steelers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 45:19 · PIT 35 · Score 6-0
(:19) 20-T.Henry to PIT 35 for no gain (27-B.Alexander). FUMBLES (27-B.Alexander), RECOVERED by PIT-20-D.Washington at PIT 37. 20-D.Washington for 63 yards, TOU - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 45:04 · BUF 2 · Score 7-0
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 33:51 · BUF 12 · Score 10-0
(3:51) 3-K.Brown 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 30:37 · PIT 5 · Score 10-3
(:37) 9-J.Arians 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-87-D.O'Leary, Holder-85-J.Riemersma. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 9:15 · BUF 34 · Score 13-3
(9:15) 3-K.Brown 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 3:52 · BUF 22 · Score 19-3
(3:52) (Shotgun) 45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala right end for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 3:42 · BUF 2 · Score 20-3
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Buffalo Bills 20-3 in Week 3, 2001 on 2001-09-30.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Buffalo Bills 3 (PIT 20-3 BUF) in Week 3, 2001 on 2001-09-30.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Buffalo Bills 0; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Buffalo Bills 3; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 10, Buffalo Bills 0; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Buffalo Bills 3.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — D. Washington (Q1 45:19) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Q4 3:52) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q2 33:51, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — J. Arians (Q2 30:37, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q4 9:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills?
R. Johnson (Buffalo Bills), 44.8% completion, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -3.44 total passing EPA. K. Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers), 55.6% completion, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -2.21 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills?
C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +3.99 on rushing plays. across 1 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-10.17 EPA): (:19) 20-T.Henry to PIT 35 for no gain (27-B.Alexander). FUMBLES (27-B.Alexander), RECOVERED by PIT-20-D.Washington at PIT 37. 20-D.Washington for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -30.2%.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W
Buffalo Bills
Entered 0-2 Now 0-3 L
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