Roethlisberger Tosses Six Touchdowns Again As Pittsburgh Steelers Defeat Ravens
By Brett Tunno
Coming off a historic afternoon last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked to lead his Pittsburgh Steelers in a revenge match against the Baltimore Ravens.
In a heavyweight slugfest, Roethlisberger made history once again, tossing six more touchdowns to set an NFL record for most touchdown passes (12) in two games, and the Steelers blew out the Ravens 43-23 at Heinz Field.
Pittsburgh (6-3) moved up in the AFC North, whereas Baltimore dropped to the bottom of the standings, even though all four teams have winning records.
Roethlisberger finished the game 25 for 37 for 340 yards and six touchdowns, whereas Joe Flacco was 30 of 45 for 303 yards, two TDs and one interception.
Baltimore (5-4) opened up the scoring as quarterback Flacco hooked up with Torrey Smith for a 35-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-0.
In the beginning of the second quarter, Big Ben was sacked 3 consecutive times by the Ravens, as offense was initially hard to come by.
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On Baltimore’s next drive, running back Lorenzo Taliaferro was stripped by linebacker Arthur Moats, and Steelers cornerback Brice McCain picked up the ball for a 26 yard gain, setting up Pittsburgh with good field position. Roethlisberger connected with Le’Veon Bell for a five-yard touchdown pass to even the game.
On the ensuing drive, Flacco was intercepted by Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds who advanced the ball 30 yards. Flacco felt pressure from linebacker James Harrison throughout the half, including a big hit midway through the second. The Steelers made the Ravens pay for committing another turnover, as Roethlisberger tossed a 19-yard TD pass to rookie wide receiver Martavis Bryant, making it 14-7 Pittsburgh.
Justin Tucker nailed a 46-yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-10, but Big Ben responded on the next drive, as he threw a 47-yard TD pass to Markus Wheaton. The hold for the extra point was botched, but punter Brad Wing scrambled to the right and tossed a pass to tight end Matt Spaeth for a successful two-point conversion.
Flacco began to panic behind center, as the Steelers’ pressure continued to rush the plays. Moats sacked Flacco near the end of the first half. At halftime, the Steelers led the Ravens 22-10, as Roethlisberger was 12 for 17 passing for 148 yards and three TDs.
Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Joe Flacco(5) loses his helmet against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The third quarter had no scoring, yet players battled and it got chippy. Two Ravens personal fouls were called and referees warned both sidelines.
In the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger connected with Antonio Brown for a 54-yard touchdown to make it 29-10. On the following kickoff, Jacoby Jones returned it 108 yards for a Ravens TD.
On the Steelers next possession, Big Ben tossed a 19 yard TD to Bryant, making Martavis the second player in NFL history to score five TDs in his first three games.
Flacco tossed a 1 yard TD to tight end Crockett Gillmore, but the two-point conversion failed. On fourth down and 2, Roethlisberger tossed a 33 yard TD to tight end Matt Spaeth, breaking the NFL record for most TD passes in two games.
It was a very physical game where even the Steelers kicker and punter were getting into the fray. Troy Polamalu and Ryan Shazier both left the game in the second quarter and did not return.
A huge difference compared to the first game, where the Steelers lost 26-6, is that the young wide receivers are beginning to become dangerous. Bryant and Wheaton are both improving over time. On the defensive side of the ball, Harrison was a force, and the younger guys followed his example.
The Steelers will travel to New York to take on the Jets next Sunday afternoon.