The last time the Ravens won in Pittsburgh was Dec. 24, 2006. It was a big victory for the Ravens. They clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC and moved within a game of receiving a bye for the first round of the playoffs. It was the Ravens' first win at Heinz Field since 2001. And it wasn't just any win. The Ravens hammered the Steelers, 31-7, and officially eliminated them from defending their Super Bowl championship by knocking them out of the playoff race.
WHAT HAPPENED: Ravens quarterback Steve McNair threw three touchdown passes (35 yards, 1yard, 25 yards), and the Ravens' defense forced three turnovers in completing the rout. It turned out to be coach Bill Cowher's final game at Heinz Field. The game was all but over when McNair's second touchdown pass gave the Ravens a 14-0 lead with 3:26 left in the second quarter. After Pittsburgh scored just before the half, the Ravens came out in the third quarter with an eight-play, 69-yard drive. McNair hit rookie wide receiver Demetrius Williams with the 25-yard touchdown pass and a 21-7 lead.
KEY STATS: McNair completed 21 of 31 passes for 256 yards. ... He threw an interception, his first in six games and 162 throws. ... The Ravens held Steelers running back Willie Parker to 29 yards. ... Ed Reed had a 32-yard fumble return and a 37-yard interception return.
QUOTABLE: "This puts us in a position to get things that we've been coveting. The way they answered the bell is something to be proud of." - Brian Billick, Ravens coach
"It's not about ending the Steelers' season. It's about continuing our legacy." - Chris McAlister, Ravens cornerback
Source: Baltimore Sun archives
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