Star linebacker Ray Lewis and the Ravens were able to pull off an impressive win away from home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Courtesy Photo/John Moore) Flacco, Ravens Pull Off Comeback Win over Steelers, 17-14 by Perry Green Nothing will satisfy Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens more than winning the Super Bowl—but a huge divisional win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh is definitely a close runner-up. The Ravens edged their biggest rivals, 17-14, on Oct. 3 thanks to late game heroics by both Baltimore’s offense and defensive units. Despite struggling in the first two games of the season, the Ravens’ offense made several big plays against the Steelers’ top-ranked defense to pull off a fourth-quarter, come-from-behind victory in Pittsburgh’s hostile territory. The AFC North division win advances Baltimore to a 3-1 overall record and 2-1 in their division, while Pittsburgh shares the same 3-1 record, and a tie for the top spot in the division after suffering their first loss of the season. Baltimore sealed the win when… Ravens third-year quarterback Joe Flacco found veteran receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh on a 18-yard touchdown pass-and-catch to give Baltimore a 17-14 lead with just over 30 seconds left in the game. The Steelers had one last desperate possession on offense, but Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis intercepted a pass from Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch to end the game. Outstanding Player(s) of the Game: Flacco completed 24 of 37 passes for 256 yards, connecting with seven different receivers against the NFL’s stingiest defense. But Flacco was most impressive on the game-winning drive, completing all four passes he attempted for 40 yards and the decisive touchdown. Flacco proved he can make the big play, no matter what defense he faces. Unsung Hero of the Game: The Ravens struggle to move the ball when their offensive line plays badly, but when the o-line does perform well, the offensive is almost unstoppable. The offensive line was outstanding against the Steelers, particularly right guard Chris Chester, who helped right tackle Marshal Yanda hold Pittsburgh’s star linebacker Lamar Woodley to only two tackles. Woodley is one of the best pass rushers in the league, but he didn’t come close to sacking Flacco, thanks to the protection of Chester and Yanda. Chester also helped clear some running lanes up the middle, which led to a touchdown score by Willis McGahee in the first quarter. Chester also saved a potential Baltimore turnover by falling on a Flacco fumble early in the game. More Game Notes: The Ravens won a game in Pittsburgh for the first time since head coach John Harbaugh and Flacco arrived in 2008. Baltimore is now 2-4 against Pittsburgh since the 2008 season. Newly-acquired receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh bounced back from his poor performance in Week 2. The savvy veteran receiver made a beautiful double-move on a Pittsburgh defender to get wide open and catch the game-winning score. “Housh,” as he’s called by most fans, finished the game with three catches for 49 yards and one touchdown. “I came to Baltimore to make a lot of plays,” Houshmandzadeh told reporters after the game. “Not to be cocky, but I feel like I should always be the guy [called for big plays].” Fellow receiver Anquan Boldin celebrated his 30th birthday on Oct. 3, catching seven passes for 67 yards. Next Up: The Ravens will host the Denver Broncos (2-2) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Oct. 10. The Steelers will take a bye week and prepare for the return of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in Week 6. Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 3, 2010; Final score: Baltimore, 17 - Cleveland, 14 DSC_2571ab

The Ravens will need Ray Rice to remain productive on Dec. 20 in their matchup against the Chicago Bears. Rice rushed for a career-high 166 yards on Dec. 13 against the Detroit Lions. (AFRO Photo/John Moore) Ravens Need Win against Chicago By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor (December 17, 2009) - If the NFL playoffs started today, the Baltimore Ravens would be watching from home with the rest of the fans. Fortunately for them, they still have three more games left to make a push for postseason play. All season long, the Ravens players and coaches have stressed to the media that they must take the season one game at a time, and the matchup they must focus on now comes against the Chicago Bears, a team that is just as desperate for a win as Baltimore. The Bears are currently 5-8 in wins and losses and have basically been eliminated from the NFC playoffs race. But they’re still looking to win their three remaining games in hopes of avoiding their third losing season in six years. Bears coach Lovie Smith was one of the first African-American head coaches to reach the Super Bowl back in 2006, but Chicago hasn’t had the same success since. A losing season certainly wouldn’t help him keep his job in a league that usually sees head coaches rotate as much as a game of musical chairs. Coach Smith traded with the Denver Broncos for franchise quarterback Jay Cutler, hoping he would be the player that would push the Bears back into the elite category of the NFL. Cutler has certainly aired it out for Chicago with 19 touchdowns and more than 3,000 passing yards. But he has also caused more turnovers than scores, tossing a current league-high 22 interceptions. Cutler’s interception tendency may work out in favor of Baltimore’s defensive unit, as they are currently ranked No. 6 in the NFL with 16 interceptions forced. The Ravens’ defense is also ranked No. 6 against the run so Bears’ star tailback Matt Forte may have a tough time producing yards as well. But just as Baltimore’s defense has a slight advantage against Chicago, so does the Ravens’ offense. Ray Baltimore ran the ball very well against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 13, rushing for 308 yards. Ravens tailback Ray Rice recorded a career-high 166 rushing yards, and added 53 receiving yards to total 219 yards from scrimmage, nearly more yards than the entire Lions team recorded in the game. Rice has now recorded more than 100 yards from scrimmage in 11 games this season, and ranks second only to Tennessee’s Chris Johnson in total yards. With Rice and the running game clicking on all cylinders, the Ravens were able to record a franchise best 548 yards on Dec. 13. They could have similar success against Chicago on Dec. 20, who ranks 25th in the league against the run. The Bears are much better defending the pass, ranking No. 6 in pass defense, so Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will need to limit mistakes and turnovers. Flacco tossed a season-high three interceptions against the Packer on Dec. 7, but bounced back well against the Lions last week, completing 13 of 20 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown. If Flacco can avoid turnovers, while allowing his running game to dominate, the Ravens can improve to 8-6 overall on the season and take one step closer to reaching the playoffs. But Baltimore fans should remember that the Ravens still need the Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6) to lose, which isn’t far-fetched considering they’ll take on the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (13-0) on Dec. 20. Baltimore, Md - December 13: Baltimore Ravens vs Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium - regular season Final score: BAL -48, DET -3