The Pittsburgh Steelers are AFC North champions, and earning the
crown at the expense of the Baltimore Ravens added an extra measure of joy to
the accomplishment.
Santonio Holmes caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger with 43
seconds left, and the Steelers clinched their second straight division title and
earned a first-round bye by beating Baltimore 13-9 Sunday.
In a duel between the top two defenses in the NFL, Pittsburgh did not permit a
touchdown in earning its first win in Baltimore since 2002.
As the Steelers filed into the locker room, a voice rose from the crowd of
players: “We’re still the No. 1 defense! We showed you boys how to play
defense!”
Pittsburgh (11-3) limited the Ravens (9-5) to a season-low 202 yards. The
Steelers have gone 14 straight games without yielding 300 yards, tying the 1973
Los Angeles Rams for the longest streak to start a season since the NFL merger
in 1970...
Video Recap: In a battle of
two of the league's best defenses it was the Steelers last second touchdown that
secured the 13-9 victory. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms recap the controversial
ending at M&T Bank Stadium
Ben Roethlisberger passed to Santonio Holmes down the
middle for 4 yard gain (Jeff Reed made PAT)
13 - 9
Team Statistics
PIT
BAL
First Downs
18
12
Passing
13
8
Rushing
5
4
Penalty
0
0
Third Down Efficiency
8-17
4-14
Fourth Down Efficiency
0-0
0-0
TOTAL NET YARDS
311
202
Total Plays
70
61
Average Gain Per Play
4.4
3.3
NET YARDS RUSHING
91
112
Rushes
27
31
Average Per Rush
3.4
3.6
NET YARDS PASSING
220
90
Completions-Attempts
22-40
11-28
Yards Per Pass Play
5.1
3.0
Times Sacked
3
2
Yards Lost to Sacks
26
25
Had Intercepted
0
2
PUNTS
6
7
Average Punt
42.0
41.7
PENALTIES
6
6
Penalty Yards
48
40
FUMBLES
3
1
Fumbles Lost
2
0
TIME OF POSSESSION
31:38
28:22
Pregame Previews, Storylines,
and News
New Page 1
Preview:
Legendary defenses have
carried the Baltimore Ravens and
Pittsburgh Steelers to Super
Bowl titles in the past, fitting
for two franchises known for
their physical styles of
football. They may have outdone
themselves this season. The
NFL's top two defenses will be
on the field Sunday at M&T Bank
Stadium, where the Steelers will
try to lock up back-to-back AFC
North titles and a first-round
bye in the playoffs while
snapping a five-game skid in
Baltimore...
Prediction:
This is obviously the best game of the
weekend. Remember, in his past two starts against Baltimore, Roethlisberger has
completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 400 yards, six touchdowns, one
interception and a 129.2 passer rating. He also won both games. Nothing will
change that here, though it wont be easy. This is a great money line game take
the Steelers Steelers 27 - Ravens 24
Video Preview: It's a battle
of ferocious defenses as the Pittsburgh Steelers head to Baltimore to face the
Ravens. Charley Casserly and Jason Horowitz preview this potentially explosive
matchup
Balt. City Buzzing Ahead Of Steelers/Ravens Match
WJZ, MD
It's a sizzling Steelers versus Ravens rivalry
that's hotter than ever. "It's twice as intense as other Purple Patios. It's
crazy," said Colleen. ...
Harrison making career out of big games vs. Ravens
The Associated Press
The Ravens talked this week of needing to account for the
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker on every play, if only because
they already know what ...
20.1
17.5