By: Jared Villani @JVillain10
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers took on their biggest test of the season thus far against their very tough division rival Baltimore Ravens, led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. Thankfully for the Steelers, Jackson got off to a very unfortunate start as Robert Spillane took an interception to the house on a 33-yard pick six to put the Steelers ahead 7 to 0 right out of the gates. Spillane has filled in admirably for Devin Bush so far and this play further proved the Steelers have nothing but playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.
.@14rspillane putting us on the board quick!!
???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/rEF3TDUsim— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 1, 2020
Jackson and the Ravens offense bounced back all too quick despite the Steelers defensive presence early on. The Ravens run game with Jackson's ability to scramble is often so dangerous, defenses forget their offense can throw the ball effectively as well. This proved to be the case on this drive as Jackson found Myles Boykin for a six-yard touchdown to even the game's score at 7 to 7.
After lackluster offense from both teams, the Ravens found success on offense yet again. This time around it was the run game that did the job as J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Jackson all chipped away downfield and ultimately it was Edwards to score for the Ravens giving them the lead 14 to 7.
Further troubles on offense lead to the Steelers being limited to only one score in the first half, but clock management was a big issue for the Steelers defense to this point in the game as the Ravens held the ball for 15 plays before the half came to a close. The Ravens would increase their lead to 10 points over the Steelers with a 51-yard field goal courtesy of Justin Tucker. Baltimore heads into the second half with a 17 to 7 lead over the Steelers.
Pittsburgh's defense picked up where they started out in this game as rookie Alex Highsmith got his first career interception, picking off Jackson's first pass of the second half. Two plays later, Ben Roethlisberger found Eric Ebron wide open for an 18-yard touchdown connection bringing the Steelers within three points. Steelers still trailing 17 to 14 after the hot start to the second half.
WIDE OPEN!@Ebron85 | ???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/23o9hwrt7h
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 1, 2020
After a slow start for the offense, Roethlisberger was clearly getting into a groove as he found four different receivers and making Baltimore's defense look ordinary. Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster made big plays leading to James Conner finding the end-zone for another Steelers touchdown, put them ahead for the first time since their pick six. Pittsburgh leading Baltimore 21 to 17 with the third quarter coming to a close.
Much like many matchups between these two teams in the past, the back and forth action continued throughout the game and Jackson did everything he could to carry his team to the finish line. The Ravens offense was very dependent on Jackson to this point and he delivered again. Marquise Brown got his number called for the first time in this contest as he caught a three-yard touchdown to take the lead back over Pittsburgh, 24 to 21.
With the game coming to a close, Roethlisberger proved that Father Time isn't always undefeated as he led the offense downfield as effectively as he ever has throughout his career. Roethlisberger led the Steelers 80 yards on eight plays to find beloved rookie Chase Claypool for a clutch eight-yard touchdown to take the lead for good. Steelers hang tough and beat the Ravens in a very significant matchup to stay undefeated, 28 to 24 over Baltimore.
You love to see it!@ChaseClaypool | ???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/jnpvs2XojD
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 1, 2020
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 21-32 182 Passing Yards 2 Touchdown Passes
James Conner 15 Carries 47 Yards 1 Touchdown
JuJu Smith-Schuster 7 Receptions 67 Yards
Robert Spillane 11 Tackles 1 Pick Six
