Vikings Beat Steelers 36–28, Deny Last-Play Pass in End Zone

Minnesota Vikings defenders safety Harrison Smith (22), outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) and free safety Xavier Woods (23) break up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) in the end zone at the end of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, on Dec. 9, 2021. Andy Clayton-King/AP Photo

MINNEAPOLIS—Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith ripped off his helmet once the victory was finally secured, after a 29-point lead on the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the third quarter evaporated into yet another teeth-clenching finish.

Smith looked exhausted and exasperated, hardly excited at all. These Vikings don’t make anything easy on themselves.