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
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
Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris combined for 15 carries, 82 yards and one rushing touchdown in the first half.
Najee punches it in for 6!@steelers take the lead as they try to keep their playoff chances alive in Baltimore.
📺: #PITvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/WxnOXJY8R6 pic.twitter.com/W5FMhgRYsq— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2024
Melvin Gordon Fumble
Gordon just record his 19th career lost fumble.
FUMBLE!@steelers defense with a massive takeaway.
📺: #PITvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/WxnOXJY8R6 pic.twitter.com/4oovPBvnKc— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2024
Del'Shawn Phillips cause a Jaylen Warren fumble
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.
.@DelShawnP3 forces the fumble and @ArthurMaulet2 recovers❗❗
Tune in on ABC/ESPN! pic.twitter.com/bgaNeyWx2z
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 6, 2024
Odafe Oweh exits
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
Edwards had 3 carries for 28 yards in the first half, including a 29 yard gain.
That's the Gus Bus for ya.@GodsGiftGus13 | Tune in on ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/zlQgwMdM0T
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 6, 2024
Isaiah Likely continues to shine
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
Clowney had 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit in the first half, triggering a $750K bonus.
Mason Rudolph
Rudolph was 14-16 passing, for 77 yards and an 86.7 quarterback rating in the first half.
