Steelers vs. Ravens: What they're saying in Baltimore after win

The Baltimore Ravens came into Acrisure Stadium Sunday and ran right over their heated rival.

After four consecutive losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens righted the ship with third-string quarterback Anthony Brown and a punishing running game. Final score: 16-14.

Steelers backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky made it much easier as he telegraphed passes to the defense. He replaced an injured Kenny Pickett early in the game and threw three interceptions.

The Ravens rushed for 215 yards, including a crucial first down at game’s end to run out the clock. Running back J.K. Dobbins slashed for 120 yards on 15 carries.

The game was very winnable for the Steelers. Until it wasn’t.

Here’s what they’re saying in Baltimore:

“Pure resilience from a Baltimore Ravens squad that started the game with their backup quarterback and ended it with their third-stringer,” wrote Kyle Barber of SBNation Baltimore Beatdown. “This was a game of exorcising demons. The Ravens hadn’t won against the Steelers in nearly three years.”

His colleague Zach Canter agreed.

“In a game when Lamar Jackson was out, (quarterback) Tyler Huntley gets knocked out, the third-string UDFA quarterback has to play, and star cornerback Marlon Humphrey has his worst game in months, nothing was guaranteed. But the Ravens fought out a gritty, tough divisional win with a strong run game and impactful plays on defense.”

INTERCEPTION @Patrickqueen_!!! BEST LINEBACKERS IN THE GAME!!#PROBOWLVOTE | ????: CBS pic.twitter.com/iDD4CJBgQt

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 11, 2022

The Athletic praised Baltimore for its toughness and resilience.

The Ravens needed everyone to get past the Steelers , including “the third-string quarterback making his NFL debut,” wrote Jeff Zrebiec.

“It’s extremely gratifying,” said Brown, the backup, backup QB. “I appreciate coach Harbaugh for trusting me and believing in me. Today was just a testament to them for actually bringing me here and believing in who I was.”

Related:

• Airing of Grievances: Mitch Trubisky's interceptions, regressing run defense define Steelers' loss to Ravens
• First Call: Ravens Pro Bowler admits being exposed by Steelers; John Harbaugh hypes up late drive; Jaromir Jagr's latest exploits
• Madden Monday: Just blaming Mitch Trubisky for Steelers' loss is the easy way out

Despite the Trubisky interceptions, which were awful, the Steelers lost the game in the trenches, according to SI.com.

“Even as the NFL continues to make passing a priority, almost everyone will take advantage of porous run defense and force you to suffer a slow death that exacts a physical toll,” wrote Stephen Thompson. “It’s one of the cruelest ways to lose. Mike Tomlin said the Ravens wore his team down, something that they cannot let happen.

Baltimore is likely headed to the postseason with a 9-4 record.

The Steelers are 5-8 and have to try and find a way to beat the resurgent Carolina Panthers next week on the road. The Panthers are coming off a win in Seattle. Guess how they pulled it off? Running the football for more than 200 yards.