Pittsburgh Steelers beat Baltimore Ravens 23-20 to stay on course to playoffs – NFL Recap
Veteran quarterback Charlie Batch had boasted in the pre-game remarks that the Pittsburgh Steelers were not dependent on QB Ben Roethlisberger and they could win without him in the side, and he proved to be true to his words on Sunday December 02 when he
set up a thrilling 42-yard field goal to help the Steelers register a 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens in closing minute of the game at M&T Bank stadium.
Charlie threw a 62-yard pass to kick returner Shaun Suisham to try a 42-yard field goal just before final whistle and it was right on spot and the Steelers got away with the game, although they had trailed behind the host Ravens until the fourth quarter.
Overall, Batch finished with completion of 25 out of 36 passes for a total of 276 yards, but had earlier missed some clear opportunities. For example he could find Mike Wallace on throw in the end zone, which could have prevented the Steelers from conceding
early lead.
Batch said after the game:
"This is big. It was another opportunity for me to come out here and start, which is rare right now. To be able to go on the road and do something that nobody outside of our locker room thought that we could do is big."
He added:
"I knew going into it that I had to play better. I had to go out there and lead this offense the way that I know I can. I felt the receivers did a great job of getting open, the offensive line did a great job of protecting."
Although the Steelers had almost lost the game, the win at the end was welcome and it has boosted their confidence. The team had been in the lowest of spirits after losing Big Ben and Byron Leftwich to respective injury scares and the victory has helped
the players to have some belief in their abilities.
Also, it has left their playoff chance wide open and alive. Had the Steelers lost the game, the Baltimore Ravens would have been through to the playoffs, and since the Cincinnati Bengals have won their game too, they could have become clear contenders for
the second round.
The Bengals with 7-5 points are just behind the Ravens at 9-3 standing and a couple of more wins can make the way clearer for the Bengals to make the playoffs. In that scenario, the Ravens and Steelers would be left in the wildcard competition.
Nevertheless, the Ravens are still clearer contenders for the playoffs despite losing to the Steelers and at least a pair of more wins will take their lead to a decisive position.
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