Game story
In Week 16 of the 2000 NFL season on 2000-12-16, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 24–3 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. George (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with -1.23 total EPA.
On the individual side, T. Edwards (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.13 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+43.3% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: K.Brown kicks 70 yards from PIT 30 to WAS 0. J.Thrash to WAS 27 for 27 yards (R.Huntley).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 0 | 17 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Edwards · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.13 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.07 EPA/play
- 2 K. Stewart · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +3.51 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 3 R. Huntley · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +2.60 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 4 J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.85 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
- 5 A. Zereoue · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +1.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 6 L. Centers · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.47 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 7 M. Bruener · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.46 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 8 S. Alexander · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.11 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Edwards — PIT · Receiving
T. Edwards posted the highest total EPA (+4.13) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 2 counted snaps, they averaged +2.07 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.23 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (:29) K.Stewart up the middle to WAS 5 for -2 yards.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — unlisted player
- Pittsburgh Steelers — unlisted player
- Pittsburgh Steelers — unlisted player
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — unlisted player
- Pittsburgh Steelers — unlisted player
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 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the PIT 14 (Q1 48:07) — (3:07) E.Murray 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.Zelenka, Holder-T.Barnhardt..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 17–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the WAS 10 (Q2 40:00) — (10:00) K.Brown 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 91 (Q2 35:12) — (5:12) T.Barnhardt punts 44 yards to PIT 47, Center-J.Zelenka. H.Poteat for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 33:35) — K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q2 30:32) — (:32) R.Huntley up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 30:28) — K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the WAS 30 (Q4 10:51) — (10:51) R.Huntley left tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q4 10:42) — K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 60:00) — K.Brown kicks 70 yards from PIT 30 to WAS 0. J.Thrash to WAS 27 for 27 yards (R.Huntley).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 44:15) — (14:15) (Shotgun) K.Stewart pass to B.Shaw to WAS 34 for 33 yards (D.Sanders; M.Carrier).
- Washington Commanders (Q2 35:12) — (5:12) T.Barnhardt punts 44 yards to PIT 47, Center-J.Zelenka. H.Poteat for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 37:40) — (7:40) K.Stewart pass to J.Bettis to WAS 36 for 25 yards (D.Sanders).
- Washington Commanders (Q1 51:02) — (6:02) PENALTY on PIT-C.Sullivan, Encroachment, 5 yards, enforced at PIT 36 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:29) — (:29) K.Stewart up the middle to WAS 5 for -2 yards.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 35:12) — (5:12) T.Barnhardt punts 44 yards to PIT 47, Center-J.Zelenka. H.Poteat for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q4 2:18) — (2:18) (Shotgun) B.Johnson sacked at WAS 18 for -5 yards (Team). FUMBLES (Team), RECOVERED by PIT-E.Holmes at WAS 18. E.Holmes to WAS 14 for 4 yards (D.Smith).
- Washington Commanders (Q3 28:09) — (13:09) S.Davis up the middle to PIT 16 for 3 yards (K.Von Oelhoffen). FUMBLES (K.Von Oelhoffen), RECOVERED by PIT-B.Alexander at PIT 16. B.Alexander to PIT 16 for no gain (I.Fryar).
Quarterback report card
J.George led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.George (Washington Commanders) · 30 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -0.04 EPA/play · -1.23 total EPA
- K.Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 26 dropbacks · 42.3% completion · +0.14 EPA/play · +3.51 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.241 | +0.012 |
| Offensive success rate | 35.4% | 41.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.226 | +0.135 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.517 | -0.140 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.012 | +0.241 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.7% | 64.6% |
By the numbers
Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.01 vs -0.24), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, +1.12 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 12 drives, -19.00 total EPA, 1 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.
- T. Edwards (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.
- Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 48:07 · PIT 14 · Score 3-0
(3:07) E.Murray 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.Zelenka, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 40:00 · WAS 10 · Score 3-3
(10:00) K.Brown 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 35:12 · PIT 91 · Score 3-9
(5:12) T.Barnhardt punts 44 yards to PIT 47, Center-J.Zelenka. H.Poteat for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 33:35 · WAS 2 · Score 3-10
K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 30:32 · WAS 3 · Score 3-16
(:32) R.Huntley up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 30:28 · WAS 2 · Score 3-17
K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 10:51 · WAS 30 · Score 3-23
(10:51) R.Huntley left tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 10:42 · WAS 2 · Score 3-24
K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Schneck, Holder-K.Graham.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Washington Commanders 24-3 in Week 16, 2000 on 2000-12-16.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The final score was Washington Commanders 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 24 (WAS 3-24 PIT) in Week 16, 2000 on 2000-12-16.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Washington Commanders 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 0; Q2: Washington Commanders 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 17; Q4: Washington Commanders 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Final: Washington Commanders 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 35:12) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 30:32) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 10:51) Washington Commanders field goal — unlisted player (Q1 48:07, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — unlisted player (Q2 40:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
J. George (Washington Commanders), 50.0% completion, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -1.23 total passing EPA. K. Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers), 42.3% completion, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +3.51 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
T. Edwards (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +4.13 on receiving plays. across 2 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.23 EPA): (:29) K.Stewart up the middle to WAS 5 for -2 yards.. The biggest win-probability swing was +43.3%.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 7-7 Now 8-7 W