Pittsburgh Steelers Secure Playoff Hopes with 17-10 Win over Baltimore Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a major step towards the postseason with a hard-fought 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Mason Rudolph’s 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson in the opening play of the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winning moment.

Steelers’ Postseason Hopes Rest on Other Teams

The Steelers (10-7) showed incredible resilience by winning their last three games of the regular season. Now, they anxiously wait for the playoff picture to unfold. Their postseason fate is tied to the outcomes of other games – if Buffalo loses to Miami or Jacksonville loses to Tennessee, the Steelers will secure a playoff spot. There was also a slim chance for clinching a berth in case the Houston-Indianapolis game on Saturday night ended in a tie.

T.J. Watt Sidelined with Knee Injury

The Steelers received some unfortunate news as standout linebacker T.J. Watt exited the game in the third quarter due to a knee injury. Watt, who currently leads the NFL in sacks with 19, will be sorely missed if the Steelers advance to the playoffs.

The Ravens (13-4), already securing the top seed in the AFC, opted to rest key players including MVP favorite Lamar Jackson. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley started for the Ravens. Both teams struggled to move the ball in the inclement weather conditions.

Rudolph’s Connection with Johnson Secures Win

With the score tied at 7, Mason Rudolph made a crucial 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson, giving the Steelers the lead they needed. A fumble by Baltimore’s Gus Edwards allowed the Steelers to add a field goal and take a 17-7 lead with 3:13 remaining. This was the first time all season the Ravens had trailed by more than seven points.

Justin Tucker managed to kick a late field goal for the Ravens, narrowing the deficit to 17-10, but their subsequent onside kick attempt was unsuccessful. This loss snapped Baltimore’s six-game winning streak.

Mason Rudolph finished the game with an impressive 18 of 20 completions for 152 yards.

Both teams struggled with turnovers, losing two fumbles each.

Najee Harris opened the scoring for the Steelers with a 6-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Ravens responded with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Huntley to Isaiah Likely, leveling the score.

The Steelers have dominated the recent rivalry with the Ravens, winning seven of their last eight meetings, all of which were decided by a touchdown or less. Pittsburgh’s four consecutive wins at M&T Bank Stadium is a remarkable achievement, as no visiting team has achieved this since the Steelers themselves accomplished it from 1998-2002.

Multiple Injuries for Baltimore

Baltimore suffered several injuries during the game. Safety Geno Stone left with a knee injury, LB Del’Shawn Phillips injured his shoulder, and DL Brent Urban was evaluated for a concussion.

Steelers: Their postseason hopes now rely on other teams, but they finished the regular season strong to keep their chances alive.

Ravens: With the top seed secured, the Ravens will enjoy a first-round bye before hosting their postseason opener.

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