At a Glance
- Steelers 26-24 win over Ravens
- Rookie kicker Tyler Loop misses 44-yard field goal
- Chris Boswell fails 2-point conversion
- Why it matters: Steelers advance to Wild Card, face Texans, and kicker drama underscores playoff stakes
The final Sunday Night Football game saw the Pittsburgh Steelers edge the Baltimore Ravens 26-24, a narrow victory that kept the Steelers’ playoff hopes alive while exposing the high stakes of rookie kickers.
Game Summary
The Steelers’ 9-7 record was bolstered by a late-night drive led by Aaron Rodgers, who capped a comeback with a touchdown. The ensuing 2-point conversion, however, was missed by Chris Boswell, keeping the score close. A 41-yard kickoff return by Keaton Mitchell set up Lamar Jackson‘s big play, and an unlikely catch by Isaiah Likely on Jalen Ramsey on a 4th-and-7 kept the Ravens’ drive alive.
- Aaron Rodgers late touchdown
- Boswell missed 2-point conversion
- Mitchell 41-yard kickoff return
- Likely catch on Ramsey
- Loop missed 44-yard field goal
Kicker Controversies
Rookie Tyler Loop, drafted in the fifth round, replaced Justin Tucker after Tucker’s suspension and free-agent status. Loop has missed all three kicks beyond 50 yards this season, including the 44-yard attempt that sealed the loss. In contrast, veteran Chris Boswell had an 89-attempt streak of successful extra points before the missed conversion.
Superstitions and Misc
A priest blessed the Steelers’ field with holy water before the game. Coincidentally, Loop’s missed field goal occurred on the same side of the end zone that was sprayed, adding a quirky footnote to an otherwise tense contest.
Key Takeaways
- Steelers win 26-24, securing a Wild Card spot against the Texans on Jan. 12.
- Rookie kicker Loop’s missed 44-yard field goal highlights the risk of relying on new talent.
- Boswell’s missed 2-point conversion nearly cost Pittsburgh and underscores the importance of special teams.
The game’s dramatic finish and kicker drama leave fans eager for the Steelers’ next matchup against the Texans.
