By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
PITTSBURGH, PA—In their storied rivalry, the average margin of victory between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is 3 points, especially when both teams were in contention. And for the first time in years, both teams are fighting not just for the AFC North Divisional Title, but also positioning for the AFC Playoffs.
And in the end, it was the Steelers who were able to hold off the Ravens in a 18-16 thriller in front of 67,551 Terrible Towel waving fans at Acrisure Stadium.
“It was a tough, hard-fought game. It always is. We’re just really appreciative of being in these games because we realize the growth associated with it obviously when you get it done,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “So, I’m excited for the guys in that locker room. They’re excited, and they should be. They made the necessary plays.”
It wasn’t pretty (most of their games never are), and the Steelers did not score a touchdown. Reminiscent of their Week 1 victory vs. the Atlanta Falcons, it was K Chris Boswell’s 6 field goals that provided the points, including 3 from 50 yards and a 57-yarder for the 2nd time this season.
“I love ‘Bos’ [Chris Boswell], and I’m tired of him getting Player of the Week. He probably got Player of the Week again this week,” Tomlin commented. “He is deserving of it, but it reminds us of our warts. It reminds us of the work that we need to do. But, man, no doubt I’m thankful that he’s on our team.”
QB Russell Wilson (23/36, 205 yards, INT) and the offense tried their best to get into the end zone but weren’t as successful. RB Najee Harris led with 63 yards and his key first down with over a minute to play forced the Ravens to use their final timeout and clinch the victory. WR George Pickens led the Steelers with 8 receptions for 89 yards, including a 37-yarder that helped set up Boswell’s 5th field goal.
Although they gave up 2 TDs, the Steelers defense were successful against Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (16/33, 207 yards, TD, INT) and RB Derrick Henry (13 Carries, 65 yards, TD). The Steelers sacked Jackson twice (LB TJ Watt and DE Dean Lowry) and LB Peyton Wilson had a clutch interception off him late in the 4th quarter. They also recovered 2 fumbles, one off Henry and the other off TE Isaiah Likely. Former Raven LB Patrick Queen led the Steelers with 10 tackles.
When asked about the Steelers success against the Ravens offensive, Tomlin replied, “We did what we always do, to be quite honest with you. You better play hard, fast, and together when you play this group and when you play Mr. [Lamar] Jackson. His talents are unique. Their schematics are unique. Forget the minutia of what it is you do. You better play hard, fast, and together or you have no shot. We always start there.”
With the win, the Steelers improved to 8-2 for their 5th consecutive win and first in Divisional Play. They must now turn around and get ready to travel to Cleveland to face the 2-8 Browns on Thursday Night Football.
“We have a short week. We have another AFC North battle waiting on us. We respect that,” said Tomlin. “We won’t waste too much time patting ourselves on the back because that next challenge is right around the corner, man. But this is what we signed up for. This is what we live for. This is the ultimate competitor’s league. You know, we’re swimming in these waters. It’s good. It’s good to get to know ourselves. It’s good to smile in the face of adversity that the game and life presents and come through the other side of it.”
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