Despite an onslaught of disrespect, the Pittsburgh Steelers have continued their undefeated, 7-0 regular season, beating the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 28-24 after a crucial 4th down stop of last season’s MVP, Lamar Jackson.
Coming into the game, many viewed the Steelers’ as a ‘fake,’ implying that they were only undefeated due to beating weak opponents. Therefore, entering their matchup with Baltimore, many believed that the Ravens and Jackson would defeat the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL. However, today’s game showed us that the Steelers are serious contenders in the AFC.
Almost immediately, Pittsburgh’s defense shined as linebacker Robert Spillane was able to intercept Jackson on the 4th play of the game, going 33 yards for a pick-6. On the next drive, though, the Ravens were able to return to their signature running attack, overpowering the Steelers’ defensive line. Eventually, Jackson was able to cap off the 5:30 drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Miles Boykin, leveling the score to 7-7. For the majority of the game, neither team was able to gain momentum, with both team’s defenses making stop after stop. Right before the end of the first half, though, the Ravens were able to pick up steam, driving down the field with a plethora of 10+ yard runs from J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Shortly after, the Ravens were able to stop the Steelers and drive down the field, capping off the half with a 51-yard field goal.
Down 17-7 at the half, the Steelers needed a way to get their entirely stagnant offense going. They were given this opportunity from this defense, again, as an interception set the Steelers up at the Ravens 21-yard line. Only two plays later, Pittsburgh was able to cash in on the back of a Ben Rothlisberger to Eric Ebron touchdown pass, bringing the score to 14-17. After getting another defensive stop, the Steelers were given the ball once again. Now warmed up, they were able to drive down the field and take a 21-17 lead on a James Connor 1-yard touchdown rush.
After back-back to touchdowns by the Ravens and Steelers, the score was 28-24, favoring the Steelers. However, momentum was favoring the Ravens as they drove to the Pittsburgh 8-yard line to set up a 4th and 3 with two minutes left. Needing just 3 yards, the Ravens decided to put the ball in the hands of their young mvp-winning leader, Lamar Jackson. Next to no one was able to stop him on these sorts of runs last season, allowing him to eclipse Michael Vick’s record for rushing yards by a quarterback. On this play, though, Jackson met his match. The same player that picked him off on their first drive, Robert Spillane, recovered a Jackson fumble that was forced by Pittsburgh star Minkah Fitzpatrick, sealing the game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now 8-0, the forever doubted Steelers have been able to all but guarantee themselves a playoff spot despite only being halfway through the season. In a conference with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans, the Pittsburgh Steelers have cemented themselves atop the AFC and NFL, looking unbeatable with a revived offense and lights-out defense. Though many doubted them, the Steelers seem to be clear Superbowl contenders, more than capable of completing this season with another Lombardi Trophy.
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