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.