Star of the game: Ed Reed.
The four-time Pro Bowl selection1s case for Defensive Player of the Year continues. He had a sack, a fumble recovery and eight tackles. His third-quarter fumble recovery set up Matt Stover’s 28-yard field goal.
Decisive play Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to cap a 12-play, 92-yard drive to take a 13-9 lead with 43 seconds remaining. But the play was not without controversy, as officials originally ruled the ball down at the 1-yard line, before overturning the call.
Best coaching decision: Dividing the return duties between Yamon Figurs and Jim Leonhard.
Figurs handled the kickoffs and averaged 26 yards on three returns. Leonhard averaged 18 yards on five returns, including a long of 46 yards, which helped the Ravens set up Stover’s 28-yard field goal.
Worst decision: Quarterback Joe Flacco was unable to get rid of the ball and linebacker Lawrence Timmons sacked him, forcing a fumble at the Steelers’ 34 late in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens recovered the ball at the 41, but they were taken out of field goal range and forced to punt. The Steelers’ game-winning touchdown drive came on the ensuing possession.
It was over when Pittsburgh cornerback William Gay intercepted Flacco in the end zone with eight seconds remaining to secure the win.
