It has been a tough week for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being roughed up on the road against the Houston Texans in week four of the 2023 season. Fans wanted a certain offensive coordinator fired, along with a variety of other changes. It appeared those shortcomings would be highlighted once again when they welcomed the Baltimore Ravens to town on Sunday afternoon.
There was not much offense from either team in this game, but early on it was all Baltimore. In the first quarter Justice Hill would rush for a 14-yard touchdown at the 6:20 mark. That lead would increase to ten with a 23-yard field goal from Justin Tucker early in the second quarter. Pittsburgh cut into that lead with 3:21 left in the half when Chris Boswell kicked a 43-yard field goal.
There would be no scoring in the third, but four scores in the fourth quarter, all by the Steelers. A blocked Ravens punt by Miles Killebrew resulted in a safety cutting the Baltimore lead to five. That lead dropped to two when Boswell connected on a 25-yard field goal with 7:13 remaining in the game. Pittsburgh would take the lead on a 41-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens. Boswell would seal the game with a 42-yard field goal with 52 seconds remaining in the game.
I think it is safe to say that many of us were surprised by the result of this game. Sure Steelers-Ravens games are typically close, but it felt like Pittsburgh had nothing going for them after the loss last week. Baltimore did not help themselves with dropped passes and questionable coaching decisions, like not kicking field goals with one of the best kickers in NFL history on your roster.
None of this would have mattered if not for a Steelers defense that locked down the Ravens for much of the day. They would collect four sacks on the day with T.J. Watt leading the way with two and recovered a fumble. That would be one of three turnovers on the day for the Ravens. They would have another fumble and see Joey Porter Jr. collect the first interception of his career.
On the offensive side of the ball Pittsburgh did not do a whole lot, but got results when it mattered most. Pickett would go 18-32 for 224 yards. Jaylen Warren had 40 yards rushing on nine carries, and looks to have earned more carries going forward. Pickens would catch six passes for 130 yards. The Steelers will have a bye in week six before heading west to take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 22nd.
Overall Record 3-2
