By Ray Porter Jr.
PITTSBURGH, PA-Mirriam-Webster’s definition of drama: “An exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances.” But if you want another definition then you should’ve caught Sunday’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens in front of an Acrisure Stadium crowd of 67,272, as there were truly exciting, emotional, and unexpected series of events or set of circumstances that lead to a steelers 17-10 victory.
“Just really appreciative of the effort of the men. Particularly the new guys, whether it’s the new veterans that are new to us or the rookies, this is their first exposure to this series, this matchup. It was Steelers-Ravens the way it usually is in that it is a hotly contested game,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “In recent years it’s been controlled by the defense as it was today. But can’t say enough about that significant play by Miles Killebrew. You blocked a kick in the National Football League, you usually win football games, and obviously that is a significant contribution.”
For 3 quarters, the Ravens lead the Steelers as their struggles for scoring an offensive TD continued, but with under a minute left in the game, QB Kenny Pickett’s (18/31, 224 yards) 41-yard TD pass to WR George Pickens (6 rec, 130 yards) gave the Steelers their first and only lead of the day and then K Chris Boswell’s 3rd FG with under a minute extended their lead to 17-10.
Typical of a Steelers/Ravens game: It wasn’t pretty, it didn’t require Style Point, but the Steelers got it done, but also typical of a Steelers/Ravens game: it wasn’t easy.
The Ravens got on the board first with an 11-yard TD run by RB Justice Hill. They added 3 more points on a Justin Tucker FG. The Ravens had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead, but several of their receivers dropped passes. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ struggles on offense continued as they failed to generate any points until late in the 2nd quarter as Boswell nailed a 43-yarder.
Neither team scored in the 3rd quarter, but in the 4th quarter, it was all Steelers as Special Teamer Miles Killebrew blocked a Jordan Stout punt that rolled out of the endzone for a Safety, closing the Ravens lead to 10-5. Then the Steelers defense came alive and put the pressure on Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (21/35, 223 yards) as their offense was forced to punt. Boswell would add his second FG to close the Ravens’ lead to 10-8. The Ravens would then punt the ball to returner Gunner Olszewski, who fumbled, and the ball was recovered by the Ravens at the Steelers 12.
Disclaimer: By all accounts, the Ravens should’ve sealed the game with a TD or at least a FG, but remember, this game was full of drama.
Deep in Steelers’ territory, Jackson and the Ravens tried 3 times to get the ball in the endzone, and on their 3rd try, he attempted a pass that landed in the hands of Steelers CB Joey Porter, Jr. as he fell into the endzone. Pickett then led the Steelers on an 8-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in the 41-yard TD pass to Pickens and a 14-10 lead (failed 2-point conversion attempt), giving the ball back to the Ravens with 1:17 left with 2 Timeouts.
But the Steelers defense was able to seal the deal as LB Alex Highsmith hit Jackson, causing him to fumble, which was recovered by fellow LB TJ Watt (2 sacks, fumble recovery) deep in Ravens territory. Boswell then added the final points for a thrilling Steelers win, improving their record to 3-2 and back to first place in the AFC North.
Inside LB Kwon Alexander also sacked the Ravens’ Jackson, and fellow inside LB Cole Holcomb led with 9 tackles.
The Steelers will now go on a much-needed Bye week before continuing their season on 10/22 when they travel to Los Angeles to take on All-Pro DT Aaron Donald and the Rams.
“Just appreciative of the effort. It’s good to go into the bye sitting at the top of the (AFC) North, particularly all that we’ve been through,” said Tomlin
Notes: Tomlin addressed the injuries: “TJ Watt has a finger that’s being looked at as we speak. Calvin Austin got evaluated for a concussion but got cleared and was able to return. Larry Ogunjobi got shaken up in some way, but don’t have a lot of information about. We’ll have more information the next time we get together.”
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