The Baltimore Ravens were able to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime, 23-20, in an ugly game on Thursday Night Football at Heinz Field. The game should never have went to overtime, but Pittsburgh kicker Josh Scoobe missed two chances to ice the game in the fourth quarter. Scoobe’s mistakes gave Baltimore life, and helped it avoid an 0-4 hole with a Justin Tucker game-winning 52-yard field goal.
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Pittsburgh’s defense had been much-maligned throughout the offseason, but it shut down the outside passing game and sacked Joe Flacco five times. Flacco turned the ball over twice and never got into rhythm, with star receiver Steve Smith leaving the game with a back injury in the third quarter. However, it was not enough with Flacco coming alive late, driving Baltimore down the field twice late.
At 1-3, the Ravens have new life. Pittsburgh is 2-2, and a game and a half back of first place in the AFC North.
Highlights
Most 12-yard runs aren't impressive
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2015
Most 12-yard runs don't include giving a piggy-back ride for 5 yards #BALvsPIT http://t.co/Civw0wR4Xd
How did DHB catch this Mike Vick LASER pass?
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2015
Doesn't matter. SIX. #BALvsPIT http://t.co/yYWLHwTKkF
The perfect Mike Vick deep ball
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2015
The perfect Antonio Brown route in the end zone
TOUCHD...Brown dropped it? #BALvsPIT http://t.co/YoBGyKldcQ
Le'Veon Bell reverses field. Wow.
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2015
But Mike Vick with a BEAST MODE lead block into the end zone?
Double wow. #TNF
http://t.co/V57qXsJaF3
Three Stars
1. Justin Forsett
Forsett’s won the game, and he was terrific. While Flacco could not find anybody open the entire night, Forsett kept Baltimore’s hopes alive for most of the game, rushing for 150 yards on only 27 carries. Forsett struggled in the first three weeks, but might be finding his groove.
2. Le’Veon Bell
Bell knew coming into the game that he would be relied heavily upon, and the Pro Bowler delivered. Bell carried 22 times for 129 yards and a touchdown, helping to ease the load on Vick. Bell also made six catches for 20 yards, providing Vick with a safety valve.
3. Ross Cockrell
Cockrell is a little-known defensive back for the Steelers, but he made his presence known under the lights. Cockrell was able to intercept Flacco in the first half and then recovered a fumble in the third quarter to set up a field goal. In a tight game, Cockrell’s play should have been the difference.
Odds
Baltimore was favored by three points on the road and pushed the spread.
Next Week
The Steelers will hit the road and play the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football, while the Ravens host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.