Thanksgiving was sweeter in Baltimore when the Ravens beat their rival Pittsburgh Steelers 22-20 in a nail biter finish at M&T Bank Stadium.
It was the fifth straight game between these teams decided by three points or less.
The Ravens lead 10-0 at half-time, but the Steelers came back fighting in the second half with three touchdown drives. The win came down to the final minute of the game, when the Steelers failed to score on the two-point conversion.
It was a typical grudge match between these two defensive powerhouses and a must-win for any hope of making the post-season. The game delivered on “hate” when a few scuffles broke out on the field, none resulted in penalties.
It was quarterback Joe Flacco’s best game this season. Flacco went 24 of 35 for 251 yards and one touchdown. And when the Ravens missed several opportunities to score more touchdowns, kicker Justin Tucker saved the day by scoring five field goals.
Flacco was pleased with the game, but frustrated they didn’t put more points on the board:
“There were so many opportunities out there for us to score points and just win big and put the game away,” said Flacco, who finished 24-of-35 passing for 251 yards and a touchdown. “We didn’t do it and we let [a close finish] happen. That’s just frustrating.”
The incident that continues to make headlines happened on a punt return. When Ravens Jacoby Jones ran the ball down the field, he had to slow down because Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was in the way as he stood on the field nearly touching Jones.
If not for Tomlin, Jones would have likely scored a touchdown. Tomlin wasn’t flagged. Some question if he should have been flagged or if Jones should have been given a touchdown. Thankfully the incident did not alter the outcome of the game. The National Football League will review the incident and likely fine Tomlin, stay tuned for updates…
A few Ravens were injured during the game; wide receiver Brandon Stokley, cornerback Jimmy Smith and linebacker Elvis Dumervil.
After two wins at home this week the Ravens can enjoy their mini-bye and rest before facing the Minnesota Vikings on December 8. Ravens Nation is anxiously awaiting to hear if tight end Dennis Pitta will be added to the active roster and play in that game.
The Ravens are currently 6-6 and have the sixth seed. They face an uphill battle, but if history is any indication of their determination to make a playoff run, they will come out fighting every week.
It’s been a challenging season for the Ravens, they need to take it one game at a time and continue to play like Ravens…
Zennie Abraham