The Baltimore Ravens had multiple chances to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
But they left the door open for too long, made too many mistakes, and the Steelers rallied to beat their AFC North rival 17-10. After a poor offensive performance all afternoon, the Steelers took advantage and made several big plays in the final minutes of the game to secure the win.
Baltimore had a touchdown opportunity in the final five minutes to end the game. But Joey Porter Jr. intercepted Lamar Jackson in the end zone and handed the ball to the Steelers with 4:06 left to make it 10-10. 8 behind.
On the next possession, Kenny Pickett found George Pickens for a 41-yard touchdown in the final two minutes, giving the Steelers a 14-10 lead after the two-point conversion.
It was the Steelers’ first touchdown of the day and gave them their first lead of the day.
The Steelers defense responded and helped secure Pittsburgh’s victory. Alex Highsmith forced a Jackson fumble and T.J. Watt recovered the ball for a Steelers field goal with 49 seconds left.
The Ravens failed to respond on their final offensive opportunity and Pittsburgh secured the win, keeping the AFC Championship game tight five weeks into the season.
It was a frustrating end for the Ravens, who largely outplayed the Steelers but missed multiple chances to stop the game. Ravens receivers recorded several field goals, two of which could have resulted in scoring.
In the second quarter, Jackson passed the ball and Rashod Bateman scored a touchdown, extending Baltimore’s lead to 14-0. After his field goal, the Ravens led 10-0.
Late in the third quarter, Jackson looked over to Nelson Agholor deep down the right sideline with Baltimore leading 10-3. A potential touchdown pass came into Agholor’s hands and the Ravens punted on it.
Jackson had a strong day under center before his final interception, but that was obscured in the statistics due to the Ravens’ decline. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 236 yards and no touchdowns. He gained 45 yards on six carries. The Steelers defense kept the pressure going while tallying four sacks and a late fumble.
Meanwhile, Pickett’s 41-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds saved his stat line and the Steelers’ victory. He completed 18 of 32 passes for 224 yards, one score and no turnovers. Baltimore outgained Pittsburgh 335 yards to 289 yards on offense, but was unable to capitalize on a strong day on defense.
At the end of Week 5, both teams were 3-2 and tied for first place in the division. They will meet again in Week 18.
