As improbable as it sounds, the Steelers are not only alive in their chase for the final AFC playoff berth, their chances are improving, and the pathway is clear after last night dramatic come-from-behind 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. For Pittsburgh to get in, they have to beat the Browns on Sunday, the Bills have to beat the Patriots, and the Jets have to beat the Dolphins. It’s still not likely that all three things happen – particularly the Jets beating the Dolphins – but it’s possible.
Trailing 13-9, Kenny Pickett scrambled and found Najee Harris with a perfect 10-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to cap off the Steelers’ 80-yard, 11-play touchdown drive and give the Steelers the lead. Minkah Fitzpatrick then intercepted a Tyler Huntley pass with 13 seconds left to seal the win. Harris ran for 111 yards and the team as a whole rushed for 198 while limiting the Ravens to 120, and only 32 in the second half.
The Steelers had to overcome a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty against Cam Heyward late in the first half that led to the Raven’s only touchdown of the game, and was followed by a shouting match between Heyward and Fitzpatrick on the sideline. Coach Mike Tomlin said afterward that they regrouped at halftime and came out ready to play in the third quarter.
Tomlin said the Steelers have overcome adversity all season long and given themselves at least a chance at the postseason.
The Steelers made some bold changes before the game, benching inside linebacker Devin Bush and starting rookie Mark Robinson instead and deactivating backup linebacker Malik Reed. Bush did get playing time, though, when Myles Jack suffered a groin injury in the third quarter and left the game.
The Steelers also went with a 4-4 front defensively, inserting rookie DeMarvin Leal into the lineup to combat the Raven’s heavy run game. Robinson was in on seven tackles and Leal had four. Tomlin was happy to get the production from his rookies.
The coach was also very obviously happy to have Kenny Pickett at quarterback. He says they saw the traits Pickett brings to the game while he was at Pitt, which shares its training facility with the Steelers.
The NFL has not announced a gametime yet for the Steelers and Browns on Sunday. Cleveland beat Washington, 24-10, yesterday. With the loss, the Ravens also lose out on a chance to win the AFC North. The Cincinnati Bengals take the division. They play host to the Buffalo Bills.
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