Much-maligned Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco grew up before our eyes Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He led a 92-yard drive to bury the arch-rival Steelers 23-20. Flacco hit Torrey Smith, who had problems holding on to the ball all night, with a 26-yard pass in the corner of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
Flacco’s pass to Smith wasn’t the only big play of the night. On third down the Ravens went 14-for-21. Several times Flacco found Dennis Pitta for a first down to keep drives going.
Possibly the biggest difference that I noticed from Sunday night’s game was the addition of Ben Grubbs back at his spot at left guard. For most of the night, Flacco stayed clean and Grubbs helped keep him upright.
The defense forced a crucial turnover when Terrell Suggs intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass in the third quarter that was intended for speedy receiver Mike Wallace.
For most of the first half, this was a field goal game. At the half, it was 9-6. Billy Cundiff missed one field goal, but made three others and Shaun Suisham made both of his attempts.
The Ravens swept the Steelers for the first time since 2006 and are in a tie with the Cincinnati Bengals for the lead in the AFC North. They will head to Seattle next Sunday afternoon.
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