The Pittsburgh Steelers overcame a double-digit deficit, a blown fourth-quarter lead, two interceptions, missed tackles, two kickoffs out of bounds and a stagnant first-half offense to beat the Baltimore Ravens31-27 and take the AFC North title.
"I think today we showed some resolve,'' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said of the Christmas Day victory, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I think we showed some fight, no quit."
Pittsburgh started the game hot, scoring easily on the first drive of the game. Then they went into hibernation. Roethlisberger passed for just 60 yards in the first half -- just 34 yards after the opening drive.
Roethlisberger began the second half with an interception and tossed another wayward ball that was picked before the third quarter ended.
With the Steelers trailing by 10 points to open the fourth quarter, Big Ben went to work. He found Antonio Brown over the middle, Eli Rogers and Jesse James down the seam, Le'Veon Bell in the flat.
"We just went into attack mode," Roethlisberger said. "We went all no-huddle and we were throwing it and just making things happen. You know, guys made plays, and I just threw it to the right guys."
After getting down 20-10, the Steelers scored on back-to-back drives of 75 yards and 60 yards, respectively, to take the lead. After Pittsburgh's defense had surrendered a long Ravens march to retake the lead, Roethlisberger was masterful. The Steelers' signal-caller led a flawless 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with Antonio Brown reaching the ball over the goal line for the win with 0:09 remaining on the clock.
"It's pretty special the way we won it," Roethlisberger said. "Especially after feeling the way I felt at a certain point in that game and feeling like you let guys down and you blew it. So to come back and win it is pretty special."
It was Roethlisberger's 39th career game-winning drive (including playoffs), the most of any QB since 2004.
