Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, in Minneapolis.

The Steelers made sure things didn’t stay boring, at least.

Pittsburgh’s furious comeback fell short on the game’s final play, with three Minnesota Vikings converging on tight end Pat Freiermuth and jarring Ben Roethlisberger’s perfect delivery loose.

The black and gold appeared lethargic for much of the contest’s first three quarters, especially in defending the Vikings’ ground game. The hosts’ Dalvin Cook scampered for 153 yards and two scores in the first half alone, doing his part in building a 23-0 lead heading into the break.

A pair of Greg Joseph field goals extended the advantage before the Steelers came to life with a quarter and some change to go. Tailback Najee Harris capped a ten-play, 75-yard march with a touchdown catch and Pittsburgh’s first points.

Ahkello Witherspoon grabbed an interception on the next play from scrimmage, allowing Harris to find the endzone on the ground early in the final frame. The Vikings followed up with a three-and-out.

James Washington would reel in a 30-yard touchdown strike with over 12 minutes to go, which would pull the Steelers within nine after an unsuccessful two-point try.

The Vikings’ Kirk Cousins would connect with K.J. Osborn from 67 yards out about a minute and a half later, stopping the bleeding. Another Witherspoon pick and Freiermuth touchdown reception helped Pittsburgh get back within a possession with about four minutes remaining.

Roethlisberger and company drove 84 yards in a dozen plays before time ran out.