Game story
In Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-09-12, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 38–16 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
K. Cousins (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with +2.13 total EPA, and +2.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.95 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-16.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (3:56) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 17-E.Rogers INTERCEPTED by 26-B.Breeland at WAS 37. 26-B.Breeland pushed ob at PIT 37 for 26 yards (34-D.Williams).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 0 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 38 |
| Washington Commanders | 6 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +14.95 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 2 A. Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +12.25 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 3 D. Williams · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +7.45 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 4 S. Coates · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.69 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.90 EPA/play
- 5 D. Jackson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.55 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 6 K. Cousins · Washington Commanders · Passing · +2.13 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.05 EPA/play
- 7 V. Davis · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.83 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.83 EPA/play
- 8 J. James · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.81 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
B. Roethlisberger — PIT · Passing
B. Roethlisberger posted the highest total EPA (+14.95) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 38 counted snaps, they averaged +0.39 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.98 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (3:56) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 17-E.Rogers INTERCEPTED by 26-B.Breeland at WAS 37. 26-B.Breeland pushed ob at PIT 37 for 26 yards (34-D.Williams).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — E. Rogers (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Washington Commanders — C. Thompson
- Pittsburgh Steelers — D. Williams
- Pittsburgh Steelers — D. Williams
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Boswell
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 6–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the PIT 13 (Q1 51:01) — (6:01) 3-D.Hopkins 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the PIT 23 (Q1 46:13).
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 29 (Q2 40:18) — (10:18) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 40:10) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q2 30:31) — (:31) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 17-E.Rogers for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:27) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the WAS 28 (Q3 26:23) — (11:23) 9-C.Boswell 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 26 (Q3 22:08); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q3 22:01) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the PIT 16 (Q3 17:04) — (2:04) 3-D.Hopkins 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q4 13:05) — (13:05) (No Huddle) 25-C.Thompson right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the PIT 20 (Q4 13:01) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 15 (Q4 5:55) — (5:55) (Shotgun) 34-D.Williams left end for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 5:48); Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 6 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 34-D.Williams left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 1:54) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 48:56) — (3:56) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 17-E.Rogers INTERCEPTED by 26-B.Breeland at WAS 37. 26-B.Breeland pushed ob at PIT 37 for 26 yards (34-D.Williams).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 40:18) — (10:18) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 36:27) — (6:27) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 25-C.Thompson to PIT 33 for 5 yards (21-R.Golden).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 31:24) — (1:24) (No Huddle) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle to 17-E.Rogers to WAS 15 for 19 yards (26-B.Breeland).
- Washington Commanders (Q3 24:22) — (9:22) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left intended for 86-J.Reed INTERCEPTED by 50-R.Shazier at PIT 39. 50-R.Shazier to WAS 10 for 51 yards (78-K.Lichtensteiger). PENALTY on PIT-23-M.Mitchell, Illeg
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 48:56) — (3:56) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 17-E.Rogers INTERCEPTED by 26-B.Breeland at WAS 37. 26-B.Breeland pushed ob at PIT 37 for 26 yards (34-D.Williams).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 40:18) — (10:18) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q4 0:23) — (:23) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 80-J.Crowder INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT -3. Touchback.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 22:08) — (7:08) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on PIT-84-A.Brown, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
Quarterback report card
K.Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- K.Cousins (Washington Commanders) · 45 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +2.2% CPOE · +0.05 EPA/play · +2.13 total EPA
- B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 38 dropbacks · 71.1% completion · +9.0% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +14.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.277 | -0.047 |
| Offensive success rate | 58.5% | 49.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.393 | +0.047 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.212 | -0.222 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.047 | -0.277 |
| Defensive success rate | 50.6% | 41.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.28 vs -0.05), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 drives, +22.73 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 10 drives, -3.61 total EPA, 4 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.
- B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Roethlisberger (PIT) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 51:01 · PIT 13 · Score 0-3
(6:01) 3-D.Hopkins 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 46:13 · PIT 23 · Score 0-6
(1:13) 3-D.Hopkins 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. Penalty on PIT-25-A.Burns, Defensive Offside, declined. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 40:18 · WAS 29 · Score 6-6
(10:18) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 40:10 · WAS 15 · Score 7-6
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 30:31 · WAS 3 · Score 13-6
(:31) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 17-E.Rogers for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 30:27 · WAS 15 · Score 14-6
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 26:23 · WAS 28 · Score 17-6
(11:23) 9-C.Boswell 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 22:08 · WAS 26 · Score 23-6
(7:08) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep left to 84-A.Brown for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on PIT-84-A.Brown, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 22:01 · WAS 15 · Score 24-6
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 17:04 · PIT 16 · Score 24-9
(2:04) 3-D.Hopkins 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 13:05 · PIT 1 · Score 24-15
(13:05) (No Huddle) 25-C.Thompson right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 13:01 · PIT 20 · Score 24-16
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 5:55 · WAS 15 · Score 30-16
(5:55) (Shotgun) 34-D.Williams left end for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 5:48 · WAS 15 · Score 31-16
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. PENALTY on WAS-24-J.Norman, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 2:00 · WAS 6 · Score 37-16
(2:00) 34-D.Williams left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 1:54 · WAS 15 · Score 38-16
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Commanders?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Washington Commanders 38-16 in Week 1, 2016 on 2016-09-12.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Commanders?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 38, Washington Commanders 16 (PIT 38-16 WAS) in Week 1, 2016 on 2016-09-12.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Commanders?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Washington Commanders 6; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Washington Commanders 0; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 10, Washington Commanders 3; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Washington Commanders 7; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 38, Washington Commanders 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Commanders?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 40:18) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — E. Rogers (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q2 30:31) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 22:08) Washington Commanders touchdown — C. Thompson (Q4 13:05) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — D. Williams (Q4 5:55) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — D. Williams (Q4 2:00) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 51:01, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 46:13, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q3 26:23, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 17:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Commanders?
K. Cousins (Washington Commanders), 66.7% completion, +2.2% CPOE, +0.05 EPA per dropback, +2.13 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 71.1% completion, +9.0% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +14.95 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Commanders?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +14.95 on passing plays. across 38 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.98 EPA): (3:56) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 17-E.Rogers INTERCEPTED by 26-B.Breeland at WAS 37. 26-B.Breeland pushed ob at PIT 37 for 26 yards (34-D. The biggest win-probability swing was -16.6%.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Now 1-0 W
Washington Commanders
Now 0-1 L
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