Blocked FG by Calais Campbell critical play in Steelers’ loss to Ravens

Chris Adamski
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 5:21 p.m. | Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 5:21 p.m.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell reacts to having a field goal blocked by Calais Campbell during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 17-16 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

This is Calais Campbell’s third season playing for Baltimore’s NFL team.

He finally, in good faith, can call himself a Raven.

“I’d been hearing it all week,” the veteran defensive lineman said, “ ‘You’re not a Raven until you beat the Steelers.’ ”

And a big reason Campbell’s Ravens beat the Steelers on Sunday was because of a play he made.

Campbell blocked Chris Boswell’s 40-yard field goal attempt with 11 minutes, 19 seconds remaining of what ended up a 16-14 Ravens win. It was the reported ninth career kick block for the 6-foot-8 Campbell.

“He’s one of the best of all-time at that,” Steelers center Mason Cole said.

A 15-year NFL veteran, the 36-year-old Campbell joined the Ravens as a free agent before the 2020 season. The Steelers swept Baltimore that year and in 2021.

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“That meant something to me,” Campbell said. “I take great pride in this rivalry, being a part of this team and seeing the old vets who came before us, seeing (Terrell Suggs pump-up video), hearing Ray Lewis talk … I was getting chills on my back, I wanted to be part of this. So I am glad I can now call myself a Raven.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called Campbell “a known legendary guy to block a kick.”

Campbell’s block Sunday came as the result of something of a legendary adjustment by Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton, who’s developing a reputation as one of the NFL’s best at what he does.

Campbell said that just before the kick, Horton called him over for a chat.

“ ‘I want you to “A gap” and sit on the (long) snapper,’ ” Campbell said, relaying what Horton told him. “We did it last year but hadn’t worked on it since last year. It was a good call. He kicked the ball, and I was able to get in and get my left hand on it. And it was good feeling.”

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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.