In a match that seemed to be in their hands, the Ravens and Lamar Jackson collapsed at the end.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) – Baltimore Ravens (3-2): 17-10
Two small victories, more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (4), none on the ground… In five games against the Steelers, Lamar Jackson had never shone until then. It was against his kryptonite that the Ravens superhero met this Sunday for his first match in Pittsburgh since 2021.
Yes, but this year, the Maryland Avengers are devilishly efficient, with 12 touchdowns in 15 opportunities in the opposing red zone. On 16th, at Acrisure Stadium, Justice Hill confirmed the trendopening the scoring on a meeting which took the path of a walk in the park for the Ravens (0-7).
The Steelers offense is down, until…
What would a blockbuster be without adventures for the main characters? A drop from Mark Andrews, then one from Zay Flowers, then one from Rashod Bateman in the in-goal… The Steelers weren’t asking for that much. Because opposite the encephalogram of the offensive squad led by Matt Canada is still as flat, despite the shards of George Pickens here and there.
Fortunately the defense and special units responded. Enough to stay in the match and reverse the momentum, with a blocked punt by Miles Killebrew (5-10), followed by an excellent free kick return from Gunner Olszewski. Only for this offense, three attempts 5 yards from the end zone are not enough.
Not enough either for Jackson and the Ravens who, in addition to not capitalizing on the failed return this time of Olszewskigave the ball back to the Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. in the end zone.
And the light was for Kenny Pickett, with the most accomplished series of the meeting and perhaps of the season: 80 yards, 8 plays and a Pickens touchdown (14-10). With his back against the wall, 1 minute and 17 seconds on the clock, Jackson has definitively lost his powers and the ball, on classy action from Alex Highsmith. Kryptonite when you hold us.
.@JoeyPorterJr picks up his first NFL INT at the perfect time 👏
📺: #BALvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/M7xl14nuLL— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
