November Nailbiter: Ravens Stuff Steelers 22-20

Nov 28, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Arthur Jones (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (77) exchange hellos!

When the 2013 NFL schedule was released last Spring, few could imagine both Pittsburgh AND the Ravens would be playing to reach .500 in their Thanksgiving night matchup – but they were.

On a chilly and chippy Thursday night in Baltimore, Joe Flacco and Jacoby Jones seemed to be in synch as the Ravens avoided the sweep by the Steelers, beating them 22-20 to reach 6-6 and remain in the post season hunt.

With the win, the Ravens currently hold the second Wild Card spot with four games to go. Suddenly, reaching the playoffs seems like a possibility again.

Justin Tucker was his usual self, converting all five of his field goal attempts. The running game showed some life as well with Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce working their way back to form.

Pittsburgh QB, Ben Roethlisberger displayed Criss Angel-like magic, escaping the Ravens pass rush time after time. If not for several dropped passes by Pittsburgh receivers, we might be talking about the Ravens being done for the season. Instead, we march on, still alive in the race to repeat.

In what had to be the play of the night, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had his foot on the field of play as Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff. Tomlin’s move, which wasn’t caught by referees, seemingly forced Jones to zig zag and be tackled. Mr. Tomlin can probably expect a nice fine from the NFL.

Enjoy your leftovers this weekend. The Vikings come to Baltimore next Sunday, as the Ravens try to get over the .500 hump for the first time in more than two months.