The Steelers scored a most unlikely win over Baltimore yesterday, upending the AFC North leaders, 20-19, when Ravens coach John Harbaugh elected to try for a two-point conversion and the win rather than kick an extra point and try to win in overtime. Lamar Jackson’s pass attempt to tight end Mark Andrews just missed and the ball fell to the turf, giving the Steelers the win.
Ben Roethlisberger threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to Diontae Johnson and a two-point conversion pass to Pat Freiermuth for the winning points after Chris Boswell botched an extra point kick on Johnson’s first score.
Roethlisberger led to the Steelers to their 39th come-from-behind fourth-quarter rally during his 18-year career, which is third all-time in the NFL.
The Steelers defense sacked Jackson seven times, with TJ Watt collecting 3-and-a-half of them and getting in Jackson’s face as he released the failed two-point conversion. Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Jackson in the end zone as the Ravens threatened to score in the first half, and the Steelers also missed an opportunity for a touchdown in the first half when Johnson dropped a perfectly thrown pass in the end zone.
Coach Mike Tomlin says it was a typical Steelers/Ravens rivalry game.
Roethlisberger says the Steelers desperately needed the win.
Big Ben, who was awarded a game ball by Tomlin, says the Ravens and Steelers play intense football.
Watt says the Steelers have to seize the momentum from the win.
Next up for the Steelers is a Thursday night matchup at Minnesota, where the Vikings will be surly after they handed the Lions their first win of the season yesterday. The toughest part of the schedule is still ahead for the 6-5-1 Steelers, who will play the Titans, Chiefs, Browns, and Ravens over the final four weeks.
Tomlin will hold his weekly news conference this afternoon because of the short practice week.
Elsewhere in the AFC North, the Bengals were thrashed by the Chargers, 41-22, while the Browns had a bye. The Ravens still top the division at 8-4, followed by the Bengals at 7-5, the Steelers at 6-5-1, and the Browns at 6-6.
Tonight in the NFL, it’s a Monday night battle for the top of the AFC East, with the 8-4 Patriots visiting the 7-4 Bills in Buffalo.
Comments