By Jared Villani
SteelerNation.com
The first meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019-20 season got underway with the Ravens marching downfield with a heavy dosage of their effective run game. Pittsburgh's defense did just enough to hold the Ravens to a field goal on their first drive as Justin Tucker drove in a 27-yard chip shot to put the Ravens on the board early for a 3 to 0 lead.
Unfortunately, after an unfortunate Jaylen Samuels interception, the Ravens took advantage of great field position and ultimately ended the drive with Mark Ingram getting an easy 4-yard touchdown.
Luckily for Pittsburgh, QB Mason Rudolph was getting dialed in and found JuJu Smith-Schuster for a huge 35-yard touchdown strike to put the Steelers on the board. JuJu's involvement without Ben Roethlisberger has been in question, but all of the speculations were put aside after this much-needed score. Chris Boswell hits for the extra point and now Pittsburgh chases a field goal, 10 to 7.
1️⃣9️⃣ takes this one all the way to the ????!@TeamJuJu pic.twitter.com/6oEqXIY03Y
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 6, 2019
It didn't take long for the Ravens to answer back as Lamar Jackson capped off a 13-play drive with a touchdown pass to rookie speedster Marqise Brown on an 11-yard strike. Baltimore jumps to a 10-point lead over Pittsburgh, 17 to 7.
Although the Steelers offense was having difficulties getting in sync, the defense was giving Lamar Jackson major fits after Mike Hilton and Kameron Kelly both picked off the Ravens quarterback for an interception.
In addition to the two interceptions, Boswell was able to make the most of the opportunities the defense presented him and hit from both 29 and 41 yards to keep the Steelers close heading into the second half. Ravens lead 17 to 13 to open the second half.
The Steelers opened up the second half with an incredible statement on defense as Lamar Jackson tried to find Nick Boyle deep down field, but rookie Devin Bush was simply not having it.
WHAT. A. PLAY.@_Dbush11 pic.twitter.com/5QMuGmwooP
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 6, 2019
Unfortunately, the next offensive drive for the Steelers did not get off to the best start as Mason Rudolph took a massive hit to the head from Ravens safety Earl Thomas and was forced out of the contest. Rookie Devlin Hodges came in to relieve Rudolph, looking impressive and leading the Steelers downfield to set James Conner up for an easy score.
Powering his way in for a score!@JamesConner_ pic.twitter.com/kGjaRHNEPi
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 6, 2019
After Pittsburgh's defense continued to apply pressure on Lamar Jackson, it was a field goal duel in which Boswell stayed perfect and Tucker hit right before the end of regulation to head into overtime at 23.
Hodges looked to be locked in after taking over for Rudolph, hitting 7 of 9 for 68 yards and spreading the ball all-over the field. Unfortunately, a strike to JuJu ended with a rare fumble by the Steelers number one wideout, which led to Pittsburgh's demise as Justin Tucker ended the hard-fought matchup with a 46-yard field goal. Steelers now fall to 1 and 4 after the 26 to 23 loss.
Steelers Stat Leaders
Mason Rudolph 13 for 20 131 Yards 1 Touchdown
James Conner 14 Attempts 55 Yards 1 Touchdown
JuJu Smith-Schuster 7 Receptions 71 Yards 1 Touchdown
Vince Williams 9 Tackles 1 Sack
