Baltimore used Alex Collins' explosiveness to get things going on offense, as well as flashing rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson to keep the Steelers defense on their toes. Joe Flacco ended the drive for Baltimore with a perfectly placed strike to John Brown to put the Ravens up 7 to 0 after Justin Tucker's successful extra point conversion.
With a healthy offensive line back together, the Steelers got their chance to make some noise on offense, however, Ravens safety Tony Jefferson ripped the ball right out of Vance McDonald's hands on third down to give the ball back to the Ravens offense.
Unfortunately that turnover was very costly for Pittsburgh, Flacco found Alex Collins wide open to give the Ravens a lead of 14, halfway through the first quarter.
After two poor offensive drives, JuJu Smith-Schuster finally gave Steelers fans something to cheer about with a long reception to put Pittsburgh past the 50-yard line for the first time in this game. Ben Roethlisberger effectively used James Conner and Ryan Switzer often to check the ball downfield. Big Ben found JuJu in the end-zone, however Brandon Carr knocked the ball out, forcing Pittsburgh to settle for a field goal. Chris Boswell hits from 34 yards to put the Steelers on board, 14 to 3.
Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense remained locked in, as John Brown beat coverage to snag a deep ball for 71 yards before rookie Terrell Edmunds finally forced Brown out-of-bounds. Fortunately for Pittsburgh's defense, Sean Davis was able to force the ball out of Alex Collins' possession, and Edmunds recovered the ball at the Pittsburgh 1.
Big Ben got the offense out of a jam early, finding both of his tight ends to keep the ball moving, as well as getting JuJu involved, who has emerged this season as an unbelievably valuable option on offense. A good offensive drive resulted in another Boswell field goal, this time from 39 yards. Baltimore still leads so far, 14 to 6.
Vance McDonald showed on Pittsburgh's next offensive drive he has more than just a mean stiff-arm, dragging defenders with him down-field to give the Steelers a huge first down.
Oh... and @VMcDonald89 is very, very strong.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 1, 2018
(@chrishemsworth would be proud.) pic.twitter.com/NstK5IB2E4
Big Ben ultimately put an end to this stellar drive, finding Antonio Brown for a 26-yard touchdown, and following it up with a successful two-point conversion to James Conner.
That @AB84 guy is very, very good. pic.twitter.com/9dag9QuQj4
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 1, 2018
We have a tie game heading into halftime, Steeler Nation!
After a very lackluster start to the 3rd quarter, the Ravens looked to finally get in a groove after Lamar Jackson scrambled for a first down to keep Baltimore's hopes at putting points on the scoreboard once more. Pittsburgh's defense eventually held Baltimore well enough to force Justin Tucker onto the field and put the Ravens up, 17 to 14.
The Ravens continued to display Lamar Jackson's versatility on read options, as well as chip away at the Steelers defense to give Justin Tucker yet another shot to show just how dominant he can be. Tucker hit from 49 yards to give Baltimore a 6-point lead, Ravens now up 20 to 14
The second half of this game thus far, was all Baltimore. When Pittsburgh's defense showed up, the offense shut down, giving the Steelers no real chances at adding to their point total. Baltmore's offense was more or less unstoppable, as Flacco looked poised and comfortable at all times. The running game and short throws to the tight ends, Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle. Justin Tucker would eventually add to the Ravens lead once more, 23 - 14, with a little over three minutes left in the 4th quarter.
Big Ben and the offense got their opportunity to get back into this game, but their second half woes continued as Roethlisberger threw an errant pass intended for Antonio Brown, but Anthony Levine picked this one easily to give Baltimore the ball once again.
Justin Tucker continued to display his brilliant kicking, adding another 3 points to Baltimore's score, hitting from 31 yards this time. Final score 26 to 14.
The disappointing second half for Pittsburgh was enough for them to let their hopes of getting a win against their rivals slip away. Baltimore looked solid throughout this contest, and Pittsburgh continues to look like a team that needs major improvement.
Pittsburgh's Stat Leaders
Passing Leaders : Ben Roethlisberger 274 Yards 1 TD
Rushing Leader : James Conner 9 Carries 19 Yards
Receiving Leader : Antonio Brown 5 Receptions 62 Yards 1 TD
Defensive Leader : Jon Bostic 9 Tackles
