Baltimore Ravens spoil the Pittsburgh Steelers perfect record with last minute win
It was the battle of the NFL's biggest and baddest defences at Heinz field when the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, predicted to vie for top spot in the AFC North, met head-to-head on Sunday afternoon. The Baltimore Ravens came away from a hard
fought game with a 17-14 win, putting an end to the Steelers' perfect record.
First Half
After the Ravens missed a field goal on their opening drive, the Steelers took advantage and scored the game's opening points with a 1-yard run by running back Rashard Mendenhall capping off a 7-play, 64-yard drive which was set up by a big 34-yard pass
and catch from quarterback Charlie Batch to receiver Antwaan Randle El.
The Ravens tied things up early in the second quarter when running back Willis McGahee ran the ball in from nine yards out as the Ravens marched 83 yards down the field on the drive. The Ravens then put together another impressive 14-play drive, which culminated
in a 33-yard field goal by Billy Cundiff, and led the Ravens into the second half up 10-7.
Second Half
With no scoring in the third quarter, the Steelers took control after putting together an impressive 93-yard scoring drive which was eventually finished off by a 7-yard run by Mendenhall for his second touchdown of the game.
The Ravens then pressed late on, even making it all the way down to the Steelers two yard line before the Steelers put up a stand and the Ravens failed to convert on fourth down. Trapped deep in their own zone, the Steelers were forced to punt, giving the
Ravens one last chance with just over a minute to go. Four plays later, quarterback Joe Flacco hit receiver T.J Houshmandzadeh in the end zone from 18 yards to give the Ravens the lead.
With only 28 seconds left, and 85 yards to travel, Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch was intercepted by linebacker Ray Lewis giving the Ravens the game.
What it all means
The Ravens not only put an end to the Steelers perfect record, they also took a stranglehold on the AFC North division by beating the Steelers on their home field. They now lead the division due to their head-to-head win.
"We found a way to beat them at their place," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "That's what makes it so special."
The Steelers, once again, were without their starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who is now slated to make his return as the Steelers head into their bye week. The Ravens play host to the Denver Broncos next Sunday.
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