“You never apologize for a win over the Baltimore Ravens.” – Me… And millions of other Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans.
After an embarrassing performance at home last week, the Steelers rebounded with a 27-22 win over the hated Ravens in Baltimore. The game was marred by several questionable calls including two that went against Baltimore. The win moves the Steelers to 7-6 with four games remaining. The Ravens drop to 6-7 and Cincinnati fell to 4-9 in a loss at Buffalo all but knocking them out.
REMAINING SCHEDULES
The two calls in question were on a Steelers’ field goal in the first half and then late in the fourth on what looked to be a Baltimore TD. Let’s start with that one first. Lamar Jackson hit Isaiah Likely with a perfect throw in the end zone. Likely snatched the ball with his hands while in the air. He got two feet down and almost a third before Joey Porter, Jr knocked it away.
Honestly? I didn’t think it was even a question. I thought it was a touchdown and it should have been. Gene Steratore explained that a catch must have three elements. One, possession of the ball. Two, both feet down in bounds and three, a “football move” is made. Steratore claimed it was number three that didn’t get fulfilled. I don’t know why you’d need a “football move” if you’re already in the end zone but it is what it is I guess.
The earlier call in question was when the Steelers’ long snapper Christian Kuntz was engaged by two Ravens – one on each side of him. Rules dictate that defenders may not come into contact with the head of the long snapper. This is a safety issue. I didn’t see either of the players contact Kuntz’s head. Mike Tomlin chose to take the Chris Boswell field goal off the board and it was the right move. Kenneth Gainwell scored a TD moments later.
While the two calls were important, they shouldn’t take away from the much improved effort from the Steelers. It was far from perfect but it was also far better than what we saw against the Bills. Aaron Rodgers had his best game in weeks throwing for 284 yards and a score. D.K. Metcalf also had a big game catching seven passes for 148 yards.
The running game however was non-existent for the most part. They ran just 17 times for 34 yards. Some of that may have been due to concussions suffered by Darnell Washington and Left Tackle Andrus Peat. Credit the Baltimore defense however for shutting down the Steelers’ run game from the start.
Defensively, the Steelers got strong games from Alex Highsmith and James Pierre while surviving the absence of Kyle Dugger. Highsmith had three tackles for loss including a sack of Lamar Jackson on the game’s final play. Pierre had an interception and several other passes defended.
The story of the day – besides the win – will certainly be about the questionable calls but also about the injuries. With Miami on deck for next Monday night, the Steelers will gladly welcome the extra day of rest.
