The rookie quarterback writes his legend in a meeting that could definitively launch his NFL career.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6) – Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): 13-16
If they win, the Ravens, already qualified for the playoffs, would put pressure on the Bengals for the AFC North division title. If the Steelers win, the franchise would relaunch completely in the race for the playoffs, especially after the defeat of the Dolphins a few hours earlier. Otherwise, the Pittsburgh franchise would be eliminated.
The game was played in the final minutes with a clutch action from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett (15/27, 168 YDS, 1 TD) who found Najee Harris (22 carries, 11 YDS – 2 REC, 12 YDS, 1 TD) for a touchdown one minute from the end of the game. This allows the Steelers to pass before the final interception of Minkah Fitzpatrick on Tyler Huntley (14/21, 130 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT) which will seal the meeting. The interception is the Steelers’ 18th this season.
Thanks to this 3rd consecutive victory, the Steelers remain alive in the race for the playoffs. For the Ravens, it’s a missed opportunity to get their hands on the AFC North. On the other hand, this can allow the Bengals to take the division definitively in the event of a victory against the Bills during the Monday Night Football
Pittsburgh returns to equilibrium after this success. The legend of coach Mike Tomlin, who has still not had a single season with a negative balance sheet, could therefore continue.
trench battle
6. The number of offensive plays in the first period as a whole. 6 offensive series where the ground game reigned (107 yards for the Steelers, 90 for the Ravens). After a field goal and a punt each, the difference will be made in the 3rd offensive series.
For the Steelers, Chris Boswell will hit the post on his field goal and defensive tackle Cameron Hayward will commit a costly penalty on the Ravens’ offensive series. Indeed, the latter will register the first touchdown of the match by the tight-end rookie Isaiah Likely on a pass from Tyler Huntley. (10-3)
You will not pass
In the second half, the defenses limit the damage with in particular several big plays. Incomplete forced passes but also sacks, including one for TJ Watt on the Steelers side and one for Justin Mandibuke on the Ravens side.
In total, these are 4 punts and 3 field goals (2 for the Steelers and 1 for the Ravens) in a choppy meeting where the ground game is still king. All this before the last offensive series of the Steelers.
A last legendary drive
On this last series, the rookie quarterback managed incredible throws for Cam Sims or Pat Freiermuth. A series of 11 games and 80 yards already registered in the legend of the franchise.
Also helped by the ground game embodied by Najee Harris and the amazing Jaylen Warren (12 runs, 76 YDS), Mike Tomlin’s franchise managed to find itself in the red zone. All this, before the touchdown clutch of rookie Kenny Pickett, escaping the pass rush of the Ravens, for Najee Harris which allows the Steelers to still believe in qualifying for the playoffs.
Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris give the @Steelers the lead!
📺: #PITvsBAL on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/K8OMv0nWCp pic.twitter.com/smsZzJUd2X— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2023
