The Pittsburgh Steelers now hold an 11-0 record after beating the Baltimore Ravens at home on Wednesday. The Ravens were without multiple starters as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak within their organization.
The rivals were originally scheduled to play on Thanksgiving night, but the game was pushed to Sunday after multiple Ravens players tested positive for COVID-19.
The game was rescheduled again for Tuesday, Dec. 1 and then one more time before it was finally played on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 3:40 p.m.
Many notable starters for Baltimore were among those on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson was replaced by backup quarterback Robert Griffin III in Wednesday’s matchup.
Tight end Mark Andrews, defensive end Calais Campbell and linebacker Matthew Judon were just a few more starters who missed the game due to positive COVID-19 tests.
Ravens running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram were added to the COVID-19 list, but were eligible to play once the game was moved to Wednesday. However, neither of them saw the field.
The first quarter was jam-packed with turnovers and odd plays on both sides of the ball.
First, Steelers linebacker Vince Williams recovered a fumble at the Ravens’ 22-yard line that put Pittsburgh in a position to score.
As the Steelers were making their way through the red zone, they were faced with a fourth and goal situation. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger‘s pass on this play was intercepted by Tyus Bowser in the end zone.
On Baltimore’s next drive, Griffin threw an interception to Joe Haden that was returned for a Steelers touchdown. This gave Pittsburgh their first points of the game.
To finish out the first quarter, Steelers punt returner Ray-Ray McCloud muffed a punt that led to a touchdown for Ravens running back Gus Edwards.
This Week 12 matchup was a close one just like many other Steelers-Ravens rivalry games. However, the Steelers were able to get the win as a result of a few key parts of the game.
The Steelers defense had yet another successful day, preventing the Ravens from gaining a lead in the second half.
Baltimore also had a few missed opportunities. Dropped passes plagued the team and gave the Steelers a few more chances on offense.
To start the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger threw a pass to wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for a Pittsburgh touchdown. However, the Ravens responded with a touchdown of their own, making the score 19-14.
With just under three minutes left in the game, wide receiver James Washington caught a pass while fighting off multiple Baltimore defenders. This play significantly contributed to the final drive that clinched the win for the Steelers.
This win marks the first time the Steelers have swept the Ravens in a few years.
The Steelers will host the Washington Football Team on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Featured Image Courtesy of CBS Sports.
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