Ravens vs. Steelers score, takeaways: Baltimore holds on with third-string QB; Pittsburgh loses Kenny Pickett

Defense and running fueled Baltimore's big win as both starting QBs left with injuries

Like most games between the Steelers and Ravens, running and defense determined who won and lost a game between two bitter rivals. The Ravens, despite playing with a third-string quarterback for most of the second half, dominated in both areas and left Pittsburgh with a 16-14 win. 

With the win, Baltimore (9-4) remains in front of Cincinnati for first place in the AFC North. The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 5-8 and on the doorstep of playoff elimination. 

Playing without Lamar Jackson, Baltimore lost backup Tyler Huntley midway through the third quarter. Anthony Brown guided Baltimore's offense the rest of the way while helping end the Ravens' four-game losing streak against the Steelers. Both quarterbacks were aided by a Ravens running game that gashed Pittsburgh for over 200 yards. J.K. Dobbins led the way with 120 yards that included his first quarter touchdown run. His running helped set up three field goals by Justin Tucker, who on Sunday passed Matt Stover as the franchise's all-time leading scorer. 

The Steelers lost their starting quarterback early when rookie Kenny Pickett suffered a concussion after getting sacked by Roquan Smith on the Steelers' first drive. Backup Mitch Trubisky led the Steelers to a touchdown on his first drive but followed that up with three interceptions, two of which came in the red zone. Trubisky tried to lead a late rally, as he completed a touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth with 2:30 left. But Gus Edwards' 6-yard run on third down on Baltimore's ensuing drive sealed the Ravens' first win in Pittsburgh since 2019. 

Here's a closer look at what transpired in Pittsburgh. 

Why the Ravens won 

Credit Baltimore for coming into Pittsburgh and defeating a team that had won three of its last four games. Making the Ravens' win even more impressive was the fact that they played the entire game without  Jackson and most of the second half without backup Huntley, who sustained a concussion. The Ravens welcomed back the return of Dobbins, who averaged 6 yards per carry in his first game in two months.

Why the Steelers lost 

The Steelers' loss was similar to their early-season home losses to the Patriots and Jets. In all three defeats, the Steelers lost low-scoring games after committing costly penalties. On Sunday, they committed three turnovers after not turning the ball over in each of their previous four games. Trubisky went 22 of 30 for 276 yards and a touchdown, but his turnovers were the difference between a win and a loss. He wasn't helped by a running game that churned out just 65 yards on 20 carries. 

Pittsburgh's defense largely played well, but its inability to stop the run was ultimately the final nail in the coffin. In defeat, the Steelers received a gritty effort from Minkah Fitzpatrick, who led both teams with 11 tackles. 

Turning point

Pittsburgh was still the game despite throwing interceptions at the end of the first half and on its second drive of the third quarter. Down 13-7, the Steelers seemed on the verge of making it a 13-10 game before Calais Campbell blocked Chris Boswell's 40-yard field goal attempt with 11:19 left. The Ravens then increased their lead to nine points after driving 57 yards on their ensuing drive. Tucker's third field goal, a 30-yarder with 3:19 left, ultimately proved to be the game-winning score. 

Play of the game 

We've got a tie between Dobbins' 44-yard run and Patrick Queen's diving interception just before the half. Dobbins' long run set up his first quarter touchdown. Smith's pick against his former teammate allowed Baltimore to maintain its 13-7 lead at intermission. 

Quotable 

"I was aggressive, overly aggressive at times and it showed up in the turnovers." -- Trubisky, via ESPN, who also said that he wanted to give the offense a spark following Pickett's injury 

What's next 

Pittsburgh will travel to Carolina for its second-to-last away game of the year. The Steelers will face a Panthers team that has had a trying season that includes the firing of Matt Rhule and the trade of Christian McCaffrey at the deadline. Carolina's roster still includes several talented players, especially on the defensive side. The Panthers defense is led by Brian Burns, linebackers Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu and cornerback Jaycee Horn.

Like Pittsburgh, Baltimore will be on the road next week. The Ravens will head to Cleveland for their second game this season against the Browns. Baltimore edged Cleveland back in Week 7 despite being outgained 336-254. Cleveland fell to 5-8 on the year after losing a 23-10 decision in Cincinnati on Sunday. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 2:00 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Drive ends with Trubisky being picked off by Roquan Smith. Trubisky was looking for Freiermuth but didn't see Smith, who was coming in from the opposite sides. Smith has a sack and a pick this half, and Ravens maintain their 10-7 lead. That's the Steelers' first TO in five games. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:59 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Consecutive penalties gives the Steelers a first down on the Ravens' 20. Steelers' offense is basic but effective on this drive. Lot of Harris, who already has 11 touches today. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:52 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Huntley is fearless. Took a big shot by Fitzpatrick but on that third and long run. Ravens fumble the jet sweep and the Steelers take over. That's on Huntley, he never really had control of the ball before trying to get into Devin Duvernay's chest. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:43 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Trubisky 2 of 3 on the drive and should have been 3 of 3 had Gentry not dropped Trubisky's first pass. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:41 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Harris punches it in and the Steelers are on the scoreboard. Trubisky's 42-yard completion to Pickens set up the score. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:40 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Meanwhile, Trubisky hits Pickens for a 42-yard strike. Pickens beat Humphrey, and the Steelers have a first and goal. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:39 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Here's a look at Dobbins' 44-yard run that set up his first TD: 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:39 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Trubisky has replaced Pickett. Zach Gentry drops Trubisky's first pass that would have given the Steelers a first down. He hits Freiermuth for a first down on third-and-8. Good protection as Ravens brought the blitz. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:33 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Dobbins rips off a 44-yard run, then gives Baltimore a 10-0 lead on the next play. Dobbins looks fresh after missing the last seven games. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:31 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Pickett held onto the ball a tad too long on his third down incompletion on a pass intended for Jaylen Warren. Nice deflection by Broderick Washington on the pass. 

Boo birds come out for the first time following a 17-yard punt. Ravens will start their third drive on the Steelers' 48. Pittsburgh has been largely predictable on offense on their first two drives. Runs with Harris on first and second down and Pickett passing on third down. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:24 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Justin Tucker gives the Ravens a 3-0 lead and with that FG breaks Matt Stover's franchise scoring record. Good stand by Steelers' defense after Robinson's second catch, but Ravens still able to draw first blood. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:21 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Kenny Pickett has cleared protocol and is good to go. Meanwhile, consecutive catches by Demarcus Robinson gives the Ravens a first down inside the Steelers' 30-yard-line. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:19 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Ravens pick up the first down after a Huntley sneak. Ravens haven't completed a single pass on the drive. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:15 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

John Harbaugh is challenging the spot on Huntley's third down run. Huntley is clearly short of the first down but a good half yard. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:10 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Roquan Smith third down sack ends the Steelers' first drive. Pickett looks shaken up after getting Smith slammed him on his right shoulder. Pickett was able to get away from Patrick Queen -- who beat Mason Cole up the middle -- but couldn't shake Smith after running to the outside. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:08 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Pickett runs on first two plays and picks up the game's first first down. Neither run was designed but Pickett found space on the near side on both plays. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:06 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers force a punt on their first drive after the Ravens picked up nine yards on 3rd-and-10. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:05 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

J.K. Dobbins is playing and gets the game's first carry. Dobbins playing today for the first time since Week 6. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 1:04 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Ravens get the ball to start the game. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 12:57 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

I like the Ravens in this game. Marcus Williams is returning to a defense that is currently ninth in the league in points allow. Key is going to be how much success the Ravens can have against the Steelers' offense. If the Ravens can get some splash plays, they'll win. If not, they'll fall to 8-5 while giving the Steelers legitimate life in the AFC playoff race. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 12:47 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Odd but true: The Ravens haven't beaten the Steelers since the 2019 season. Baltimore has lost its last four games vs. the Steelers, with its last win coming in Week 17 of the '19 campaign. The Ravens' last win over Pittsburgh came during its last game against a non-Ben Roethlisberger led Steelers team. Obviously the Steelers are w/o Roethlisberger today, as Kenny Pickett gets his introductory to the rivalry. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 12:33 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

This is the first game for Steeles K Chris Boswell since he suffered a groin injury in Week 7. Boswell has hit some memorable kicks against the Ravens over the years, including playoff-eliminating kicks in 2017 and '21. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 12:24 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

This is the Steelers second game against Tyler Huntley, who is starting today in place of Lamar Jackson. Huntley was just 16 of 31 passing for 141 yards and two picks in last year's Week 17 loss to Pittsburgh. He was much more effective on the run with 72 yards on 12 carries. 

Huntley played well after replacing Jackson after the first quarter during last Sunday's win over Denver. He completed all but 32 of his passes while rushing for Baltimore's only TD. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 12:11 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Field update: Steelers put in a new sod for today, so the playing surface at Acrisure should be pristine. Cloudy, low 40 degree temperature on tap throughout the day with a slight wind. 

[Dec 11, 2022 at 12:05 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Welcome to today's coverage of Steelers-Ravens. The winner of todays' game will strengthen their case to make the AFC playoffs come mid January. Baltimore is 8-4 and is currently tied with Cincinnati for first place in the North (Baltimore holds the tiebreaker of Cincinnati by virtue of their win over the Bengals earlier this year). 

The Steelers are 5-7 after a 2-6 start and could possibly leapfrog over the Browns in the standings today with a win and a Cleveland loss in Cincinnati. The Steelers entered today as the 11th seed in the AFC.