Alex Smith reflected on a young Washington Football Team making a "big step" after they recorded a 23-17 victory over the previously unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers.
Washington rallied from a 14-3 half-time deficit - including scoring the final 13 points of the contest - to end the Steelers' perfect run during the 2020 regular season.
In doing so, they became the first team with a losing record to win a road game against an opponent with an 11-0 or better record, according to Stats Perform. The result also moves them into a tie for first place in the NFC East, as they join the New York Giants at 5-7.
Quarterback Smith completed 31 of his 46 pass attempts for 296 yards and a touchdown, finding tight end Logan Thomas in the end zone in the fourth quarter to level the scores at 17-17. Dustin Hopkins then kicked a pair of field goals to seal the road triumph.
how we're sleeping tonight pic.twitter.com/wEeoSHi11V
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 8, 2020
"I think we're so young that you have to be able to have wins like this to know that you can do it, you don't get that confidence without having done it," Smith said in a post-game interview with ESPN.
"So, for us, this is a big one we will take with us, knowing we can go on the road and play with anybody.
"I think it says a lot about us. We will enjoy this for a little bit, but we've got a short week travelling across the country [they play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14] and another good test ahead of us.
"However, I do think this was a big step for us."
Smith is back playing again following a long road to recovery in the aftermath of a career-threatening injury to his right leg, which he suffered back in November 2018.
His return to action has been one of the feel-good stories in the NFL this season, with Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt – who was involved in the incident that saw Smith hurt two years ago – tweeting out his admiration for the "incredible" 36-year-old.
"What Alex Smith has done is unbelievable," Watt posted.
"Comeback Player of the Year even before taking a snap. But playing winning football after everything he's been through is even more incredible."
What Alex Smith has done is unbelievable.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 8, 2020
Comeback Player of the Year even before taking a snap.
But playing winning football after everything he’s been through is even more incredible.
There was an injury concern for Smith late in the first half of the Pittsburgh game, however, as there was blood around his left ankle after being caught by a cleat.
"I had to do a quick check, make sure it was my left leg, not my right," he told ESPN. "A little more concerning with my right.
"It was a new one for me - a bit of a gusher - but luckily it was right before the half so we could get in and take care of it. Nothing serious, it just hit the right spot and kept bleeding."
Smith was elevated to the starting job with Washington after Kyle Allen sustained a dislocated ankle against the Giants in Week 9.
After losing to the Detroit Lions the following week, Washington have since gone on a three-game winning run that has raised hopes of winning the division.