On Monday night the Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Tampa Bay to take on the red-hot Buccaneers, needing a win in order to avoid their worst start to a season since 2013.
After the Buccaneers jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead to open the game, the Steelers looked for a response and found one thanks to tight end Vance McDonald.
Facing third-and-10 in Steelers territory, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found McDonald running an out route at the line-to-gain. With the catch secured, McDonald turned upfield along the sideline and was met by Buccaneers safety Chris Conte.
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At first, it looked as though Conte would be able to steer the play out of bounds, but instead, McDonald hit him with the most powerful stiff-arm we've seen yet this year, sending Conte into oblivion and himself streaking towards the end zone for the game-tying touchdown.
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The play is even better enjoyed in slow motion.
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Naturally, Twitter was quick to comment on McDonald's show of strength.
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Many seemed to question the legality of McDonald's play — not with regard to the rules of football, but rather, the laws of man.
What Vance McDonald just di... @ Field Yates
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Others voiced their concern for Chris Conte and the Conte family.
vance mcdonald jus disrespe... @ ego
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And others still shared videos of similar shows of force that the big stiff-arm brought to mind.
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After the game, McDonald seemed delighted with the show of support online.
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Dear Internet, you are so c... @ Vance Coman McDonald
McDonald would finish the game with four catches, 112 yards and a touchdown, helping the Steelers along to a 30-27 victory, the team's first win of the season.
When asked what he was thinking during the play, McDonald told reporters, "Just punish him. Inflict as much force on him as possible — that's the first thing I think of."
Mission accomplished.
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