Mike Tomlin “amazed” by the number of Steelers fans who attended the win in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Teammates tried to tell Donte Jackson what awaited the veteran cornerback as he walked into Allegiant Stadium for the Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

TJ Watt in particular told Jackson to expect a hefty dose of Steeler Nation.

Jackson just didn't know what that dose would be.

“I've never seen anything like this,” Jackson said after thousands of Steelers fans descended on this desert city to watch a 32-13 victory. “It felt like 80-20 (percent) were Steelers fans. My teammates had been telling me all week that it would happen.”

The crowd noise favored the visitors to such an extent that a “Dee-fense” chant rang out in the fourth quarter and the Raiders retreated deep into their territory. Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell then threw an interception to Jackson, who returned the ball 24 yards to the 7.

Justin Fields scored a touchdown on the next play, giving the Steelers a 29-7 lead.

“This is bullshit,” Jackson said. “TJ said it would be to our advantage if we kept the crowd in the stadium, and it did. This fan base came to play.”

From the sideline, with the defense on the field, Fields marveled at the crowd's reaction.

“I look at the Raiders offense and they settle into a quiet rhythm,” he said.

Watt wasn't surprised.

“We knew that would be the case, but we appreciate it,” he said. “Steeler Nation is smart when it comes to getting loud. They were great today.”

Road trips typically bring home a large continent of Steelers fans. The crowds increase especially when the Steelers head to a destination city like Las Vegas.

Fans streamed into Allegiant Stadium as soon as the gates opened, and it quickly became clear that the Steelers would have the crowd advantage. Coach Mike Tomlin opened his postgame press conference by thanking the fans.

“I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from our fans,” he said. “Steeler Nation, man, they show up all the time. I just thought it was great – the environment was special for a street venue. It was special to be there.”

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, secondary ticket agent Vivid Seats predicted that 56% of fans on Sunday would be rooting for the Steelers rather than the home team. Vivid Seats also estimated that fans traveled an average of 923 miles to attend the game, based on the zip codes of fans who purchased on their website.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce downplayed the disparity in crowd support his team received – or more accurately, didn't receive.

“We have noise in every practice. That didn’t bother us,” he said. “We’re excited to have the entire Raider Nation here.”