The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed a crucial 27-22 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, allowing them to take sole control of first place in the AFC North. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers delivered a standout performance, throwing for 284 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a score.
The game featured a dramatic moment when a potential Baltimore touchdown was overturned following a replay review with just 2:43 left on the clock. Isaiah Likely caught a pass from Lamar Jackson in the end zone and initially appeared to score. However, as he attempted to secure the ball with both feet down, Joey Porter Jr. of the Steelers knocked it free, leading to the call being changed to incomplete. The Ravens subsequently turned the ball over on downs.
Despite strong defensive efforts from Baltimore, they reached the Steelers” 30-yard line before Jackson was sacked with no timeouts remaining, sealing the win for Pittsburgh.
Rodgers had struggled with longer passes throughout November, but he connected on four throws of over 31 yards in this game, including a 52-yard strike to DK Metcalf on the opening play. This set the stage for his one-yard rushing touchdown, marking his first rushing score since the 2022 season.
While the Ravens started the season with a 1-5 record, they rebounded impressively with five consecutive victories. However, losses in back-to-back divisional games against the Cincinnati Bengals and now the Steelers have placed them in a challenging situation.
At halftime, the Steelers led 17-9, and Rodgers continued to find success in the second half, connecting with Metcalf again for a significant gain. This led to a field goal, but the Ravens responded with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Likely, narrowing the score to 20-16.
Rodgers answered back with a 31-yard completion to Calvin Austin III on a pivotal third down, followed by a 38-yard touchdown from Jaylen Warren, extending the Steelers” lead to 27-16.
The Ravens managed to score a couple of field goals, but a batted pass by C.J. Okoye initially appeared to result in an interception. However, after review, officials ruled that Rodgers had caught his own pass and was down by contact, which shifted the momentum back to Pittsburgh despite having to punt.
Rodgers, who played through a wrist injury the previous week against the Buffalo Bills, was not sacked during this game, showcasing a solid offensive line performance. Meanwhile, Jackson faced an interception in the first half by his cousin, defensive back James Pierre.
In a physically demanding rivalry game, both teams experienced injuries. Darnell Washington and Malik Harrison suffered concussions for the Steelers, while Baltimore”s Ken Mitchell left the game with a knee injury.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will host the Miami Dolphins next Monday night, while the Ravens prepare to face the Bengals on Sunday.
