Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) – Baltimore Ravens (7-4) : 18-16
61th duel in history between the Steelers and the Ravens, with a great option to take in the AFC North. A defensive opposition is inevitably expected: neither team has managed to score more than 20 points against the other in the last 7 clashes!
For the fourth time in a row (and even the seventh time in eight games)the Steelers leave with one more stick in the victory column.
Baltimore’s hands and feet are shaking
Pittsburgh knows how to thwart its opponents. From the first series, the Steelers managed to cause a fumble on a run of Derrick Henry (13 courses, 65 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 fumble).
The runner is not the only one who does not take care of the ball: tight end Isaiah Likely (4 receptions, 75 yards) also commits a fumble while Justice Hill has the ball snatched from his arms for an interception. The Ravens even took the opportunity to commit 12 (!) penalties, unacceptable indiscipline. The highlight of this mediocre spectacle: ex-all-risk insurance Justin Tucker, who misses two field goals in quick succession.
Impossible to win against these Steelers when you miss so many opportunities. Especially since the Ravens’ main offensive weapon, Lamar Jackson is out of sorts : 16/33, 207 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception. The receivers fail to get into the game plan, leaving tight end Likely as the only receiver over 40 yards!
Pittsburgh, service minimum
All the more infuriating for Jim Harbaugh’s men: the Steelers will not even have managed to score a single touchdown. 6 out of 6 on field goals for a perfect Chris Boswell. Nothing particularly worked for Russell Wilson (23/36, 205 yards, 1 interception), apart from his connection with George Pickens (8 receptions, 89 yards) perhaps.
It is also necessary to note the Steelers’ ability to advance at a snail’s pace, but by accumulating the first attempts: 36 minutes of possession and 4.1 yards per play. As often, it is the defense which did an impeccable job.
This victory therefore allows the Steelers to take a small lead in the AFC North. Mike Tomlin’s men will meet another division rival, the Browns, on Thursday. The Ravens will try to win again against the Chargers of a certain Jim Harbaugh.
