Russell Wilson rallies the Steelers for the winning touchdown against the Commanders, their third straight win as Pittsburgh’s starter

So far, so good for the Russell Wilson era in Pittsburgh.

Wilson rallied the Steelers to a 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday in a matchup of the division’s leading teams. With the win, the Steelers improve to 7-2 and 3-0 since Wilson took over at quarterback.

Pittsburgh had to overcome several mistakes, including a dropped pass on a fake punt and a fumble at the goal line in the fourth quarter. But Wilson ensured Pittsburgh would win with a late touchdown to Mike Williams, who joined the team last week in a trade from the New York Jets.

With Washington leading 27-21 with 2:27 remaining, Wilson looked closely at Williams on a sideline go route on third-and-9. Under pressure, he threw a perfect pass that Williams parried in the end zone for the go-ahead shot.

The touchdown was Williams’ first of the season in his first game in a Steelers jersey.

Washington had the chance to counter. But the ensuing drive missed the end zone when Jayden Daniels and Zach Ertz ran a fourth-and-nine pass just short of the winning line.

The Steelers were able to run out the game by securing possession. With over a minute to play, Pittsburgh lined up near midfield to go for it and caused a neutral zone violation against the Washington defense that effectively ended the game.

Wilson finished his day completing 14 of 28 passes for 195 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. And the Steelers remain undefeated since he took over at quarterback for Justin Fields in Week 7.

The loss ended a three-game winning streak for the Commanders, who had success this season with Daniels at quarterback. The Commanders entered the game ranked third in the NFL with 392 yards of offense per game. Pittsburgh limited Washington to 242 yards of offense and Daniels to 202 passing yards on a 17-of-34 passing day with no touchdown or interception.

Steelers overcome mistakes

Washington caught an early break after a failed fake punt that should have been a big play for Pittsburgh. The Commanders weren’t ready for the trick play and safety Miles Killebrew threw a perfect pass to James Pierre Jr. that could have been enough for a touchdown. But Pierre dropped the pass and Washington took over on downs at the Pittsburgh 16-yard line.

The Commanders turned the turnover into a game-winning touchdown and eventually built a 27-21 lead in the third quarter.

The Steelers responded with a 14-play, 86-yard drive in the fourth quarter that seemingly put them in prime shape for a score. But Jaylen Warren fumbled near the goal line and made it on a run that would have put the Steelers first-and-goal at the 1-yard line with 7:05 left.

The Pittsburgh defense responded by forcing a three-point punt from the Washington 3-yard line, setting up Wilson and Williams for their late-game heroics on the Steelers’ ensuing drive.

The win sets up a high-profile showdown next week between the AFC North rival Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, who improved to 7-3 with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. The winner takes control of the division.

Washington drops to 7-3 with the loss and will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday in a game for first place in the NFC East.