The Pittsburgh Steelers were back at home this week and their opponent was their long-time rival, the Baltimore Ravens. No matter what the records are between these two teams, the games are always close and today was no different. What was the difference today was three interceptions by the Baltimore defense to keep points off the board for Pittsburgh.
Both teams had to rely on back up quarterbacks, and in the Ravens case a third stringer, after both starters left the game with injuries. Mitch Trubisky took the majority of the snaps for the Steelers and ended the day with 276 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Kenny Pickett left the game early on with a concussion. Baltimore started with Tyler Huntley, but finished with Anthony Brown, after Huntley left with a head injury.
The Ravens started the scoring in the first quarter on a 42yd field goal by Justin Tucker. These points also made him the career leader in points for Baltimore. The Ravens took a ten-point lead two minutes later when J.K. Dobbins rushed for a 4yd touchdown. Pittsburgh would add a touchdown with seventeen seconds left in the quarter on a 1yd rushing touchdown by Najee Harris. Tucker added another field goal in the second quarter to put his team up six heading into the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, Tucker connected from 30yds out to put Baltimore ahead 16-7. These would prove to be the game winning points, as the Steelers could only manage a 10yd touchdown pass from Trubisky to Pat Freiermuth late in the game. Had it not been for a blocked field goal by Baltimore, and two interceptions in field goal range, Pittsburgh may have come away with a victory on Sunday afternoon.
The Steelers came into today two games out of the final wild card spot and I think it is safe to say that the loss today ends any real shot of the postseason. Some may look for Pittsburgh to win out so that Mike Tomlin continues his streak of never having a losing season, however its difficult to say that this team can real off four straight wins to close out the season. Up next will be a trip south to play the Carolina Panthers at 1:00pm on Sunday.
Overall Record: 5-8
