The Ravens? season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday had the feeling of a final preseason game.
Many of the top players on both teams watched from the sidelines in a game neither team had much to gain as second- and third-string players tried to prove they belong on an NFL roster.
For the Ravens, they finally snapped their franchise-worst nine-game losing stream with a 27-21 victory thanks in large part to third-string quarterback Troy Smith, second-string running back Musa Smith, former practice team running back Cory Ross and seldom used cornerback David Pittman, who had two interceptions, including one that sealed the victory with 1:04 remaining to halt the Steelers? final comeback bid.
“Some might [say this game is meaningless], these kids won?t,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said. “To go out there and physically have todo what you have to do under those circumstances, they showed their professionalism until the end. That?s all you can ever ask a group. It was an outstanding win.”
Billick had especially kind words for quarterback Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, who led the Ravens to victory in his second career start. The fifth-round pick from Ohio State completed 16-of-27 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.
“With each experience he grows and learns from it,” Billick said. “I thought he did a great job of managing, beyond making the physical plays that he made. But he managed the game very, very well.”
Smith said ending the season with a victory was bittersweet, considering a team with Super Bowl aspirations at season?s outset finished 5-11, the second-worst record in franchise history.
“Today, I honestly felt we would not be denied,” Troy Smith said. “The season has been long and drawn out and today, there was something special about the feel ? something special about everything.”
Musa Smith said he was grateful for the opportunity to start for an injured Willis McGahee. Ironically, Smith?s career has been marred by injuries, which gave him an even greater appreciation for being able to contribute to a win. He finished with 83 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Smith teamed with Ross, who rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, to power a rushing attack that amassed 180 yards.
“It?s been a long season, but I gotmy shot tonight,” Musa Smith said. “I just wanted to show my teammates and this organization that stuck behind my all these years through the injuries that I could step up and play.”
