The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have one of the NFL’s most intense and closely contested rivalries, and their Week 11 matchup at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore certainly lived up to the billing. In a defensive slugfest that came down to the final plays, the Steelers emerged with a hard-fought 18-16 victory to strengthen their grip atop the AFC North standings.
Steelers Grind Out Win with Field Goals
While touchdowns were scarce, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell had a day to remember, nailing all six of his field goal attempts to account for all of Pittsburgh’s scoring. The reliable veteran delivered in the clutch, drilling three kicks from beyond 40 yards, including a 51-yarder.
The Steelers’ offense struggled to finish drives, but quarterback *Russell Wilson* and rookie receiver George Pickens connected for several key completions to keep the chains moving. Wilson finished 22-of-32 for 235 yards, while Pickens hauled in a game-high 7 catches for 83 yards in an impressive performance.
Ravens Rally Falls Short
Trailing 18-10 late in the fourth quarter, the Ravens mounted a spirited comeback attempt. Quarterback *Lamar Jackson* engineered an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, firing a laser to tight end Isaiah Likely for a 10-yard score to make it 18-16 with just over a minute remaining.
However, needing a two-point conversion to tie the game, Jackson’s pass to Demarcus Robinson was knocked away by Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace, preserving Pittsburgh’s slim lead. The Ravens’ last-gasp onside kick attempt was also unsuccessful, allowing the Steelers to run out the clock.
“That was a total team win. The defense came up big when we needed it, and we did just enough on offense to get the job done. There’s nothing better than coming into a hostile environment and getting a ‘W’, especially against a rival like Baltimore.”
– Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin
Wilson Rounds Up Division Lead
The victory, Pittsburgh’s first within the division this season, gives them some much-needed breathing room atop the AFC North. At 7-4, they now hold a 1.5 game lead over the 5-5 Ravens and 6-5 Cincinnati Bengals.
When asked about the standings after the game, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson had a humorous response that quickly went viral on social media:
“We’ve got, what, a two-game lead, right?”
Reporters: “One and a half”
Wilson: “Eh, that’s two, round up.”
– Exchange between Russell Wilson and reporters
Other Week 11 Quips and Quotes
The Steelers-Ravens battle wasn’t the only source of memorable postgame comments in Week 11. After leading the Colts to an upset win over the Jets in his first start back from injury, rookie quarterback *Anthony Richardson* was exuberant:
“It’s pretty cool, especially to do it against the Jets and Aaron Rodgers. I’ve been watching him since I was a kid. So it’s a blessing just to be able to go against a legend.”
– Colts QB Anthony Richardson on beating the Jets and Aaron Rodgers
Miami Dolphins head coach *Mike McDaniel* had a straightforward reaction to his team winning their second straight game after an injury-plagued 2-6 start:
“Winning feels a lot better than losing, so I think we’re going to keep trying to do that.”
– Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on their recent success
Riding a six-game win streak, Philadelphia Eagles defensive back *C.J. Gardner-Johnson* wasn’t shy about his team’s status in the NFC East after their win over the Washington Commanders:
“Washington, respect y’all but y’all know this shit runs through us.”
– Eagles DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson on the NFC East
These quotes capture the emotion, confidence, and sometimes playful trash talk that emerge after hard-fought NFL contests. As the season enters its final stretch, expect the intensity to only ratchet up further. For the Steelers, Ravens, and the rest of the AFC North, the next seven weeks will determine who earns the division crown and a coveted playoff spot in a highly competitive conference.
