Ravens vs. Steelers final recap: Second half shutout

Week 4 brought us another match up in the classic Ravens-Steelers rivalry, this time on Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Baltimore received the ball to start the game. Quarterback Joe Flacco started hot, leading the offense down the field. After some strong runs from Alex Collins and tough catches from Michael Crabtree, Flacco hit John Brown for a 33-yard touchdown.

The Ravens defense had a nice start as well. On 3rd-and-4, safety Tony Jefferson stripped the ball from tight end Vance McDonald, setting Baltimore’s offense up at Pittsburgh’s 31-yard line. Initially ruled as a fumble returned for a touchdown, Jefferson was ruled down after replay.

Four plays later, Flacco hit Collins for his second passing touchdown.

Following a punt from both teams, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made a 34-yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-3. The Ravens followed up with a 71-yard pass to Brown from Flacco. Baltimore was unable to capitalize, however, as Collins fumbled the ball on a run at the goal line.

Pittsburgh kicked a field goal and scored a touchdown on the next two drives. Antonio Brown scored a touchdown over cornerback Marlon Humphrey despite having good coverage on the play. After successfully completing the two-point conversion, the game was tied 14-14 going into halftime.

Justin Tucker kicked four field goals in the second half, from 47, 49, 28 and 31. On the third field goal, up 20-14 with 10:17 left in the fourth quarter, the Ravens offense was able to run the clock down to 3:37 and make it a two-possession game with Tucker’s field goal. The drive lasted 14 plays for 82 yards.

While leading 23-14 with 3:31 left, Baltimore’s defense came up huge with an interception from safety Anthony Levine Sr., leading to Tucker’s final field goal to put the game out of reach with just 1:56 remaining.

Second-year linebacker Tim Williams got Baltimore’s only sack of the night on the Steelers final drive. The Ravens defense held Pittsburgh to 284 yards, limiting Ben Roethlisberger to 274 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception. Running back James Conner was held to 19 rushing yards on nine carries.

Flacco continued his strong season with another good performance, finishing 28-42 for 363 yards and two touchdowns. Collins rushed for 42 yards on 11 carries. Brown led all receivers with 116 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Willie Snead IV had an impressive performance as well, catching six passes for 56 yards and converting several crucial third downs.

Baltimore travels to Cleveland to face the 1-2-1 Browns next Sunday.