Ravens prove they are contenders with win vs. Steelers

Despite dealing with a tough road environment and a subpar performance from Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens proved they were contenders today with a big win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All of the ingredients were there for a big loss in Pittsburgh for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson delivered one of his worst performances of the season, throwing three interceptions and passing for only 161 yards with a touchdown, while the Steelers were able to move the football even after losing starting quarterback Mason Rudolph to a concussion.

The momentum was clearly on Pittsburgh’s side in this game, but the Ravens rallied back from a late 23-20 deficit to force overtime when Justin Tucker nailed a 48-yard field goal with 14 seconds left. The Ravens lost the toss in overtime, but each side ended up getting a possession anyway, with Baltimore emerging with the last laugh when Tucker drilled a 46-yard kick to secure the victory.

This game will be marred with some controversy after Ravens’ safety Earl Thomas wasn’t ejected after his brutal helmet-to-helmet hit that knocked Rudolph out of the game, but Steelers’ backup Devlin Hodges made enough plays to keep Pittsburgh in the game. The Steelers were actually in position to win this game, but it took a clutch late drive from Jackson to put Tucker in position to tie at the end of regulation.

While Jackson wasn’t a great passer in this game, he still made plenty of plays with his legs, running 14 times for 70 yards to lead the Ravens in rushing. Baltimore’s run defense also stepped up in a big way this game, holding the Steelers to just 77 yards on the ground, forcing Pittsburgh to rely on its young quarterbacks to put up points in this game.

The AFC North is still a tight division thanks to the Browns’ win in Baltimore last week, but the Ravens reminded the world that this will still be a two team race for what will likely be the third seed in the AFC.