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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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glenn erby

7 takeaways from first half as Ravens-Steelers are tied 7-7 in season finale

The Ravens sat six starters and held out several key contributors, but the weather was an ally as rain engulfed M&T Bank Stadium in the first half on Saturday.

Baltimore overcame two fumbles, including one Melvin Gordon turnover that Pittsburgh recovered, and utilized a late second-quarter drive to even things at 7-7 to end the first half.

The Ravens were without Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham, and Roquan Smith, among others, but got a timely turnover from Del’Shawn Phillips and some elite running after the catch by Isaiah Likely.

With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half.

Ravens pass happy despite rain storm

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore went 3 and out on their first two possessions, logging a total of 10 yards on six plays.

Tyler Huntley was 5-10 passing, for 56 yards and the one touchdown in the first half.

Steelers rushing attack was the star

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) dives for extra yards as Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) tackles during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris combined for 15 carries, 82 yards and one rushing touchdown in the first half.

Melvin Gordon Fumble

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon just record his 19th career lost fumble.

Del'Shawn Phillips cause a Jaylen Warren fumble

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

With Baltimore holding Roquan Smith out, Phillips had the opportunity to shine next to Patrick Queen.

He caused this Jaylen Warren fumble, punching the football out.

Odafe Oweh exits

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The talented pass rusher limped off the field during the Steelers second possession and never returned.

Oweh battled an ankle injury earlier this season, and the Wild Card Bye could be useful.

Gus Edwards stout

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Edwards had 3 carries for 28 yards in the first half, including a 29 yard gain.

Isaiah Likely continues to shine

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs for a second quarter touchdown after his catch defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Likely scores on a 27-yard catch from Tyler Huntley by somehow keeping his balance and diving into the end zone. Incredible effort from the former 4th-round pick.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1743764516268093513

In 6 games since Mark Andrews has been sidelined with an ankle injury, Likely has caught 5 TD passes.

That’s tied with Sam LaPorta for the most TD receptions by a TE since Week 12.

Jadeveon Clowney

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Clowney had 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit in the first half, triggering a $750K bonus.

Mason Rudolph

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) leads the offense in the first quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Rudolph was 14-16 passing, for 77 yards and an 86.7 quarterback rating in the first half.

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