The Steelers had a chance to control their own playoff chances.
Now, they’re going to have to hope for some help.
The Ravens took a surprising 20-17 win over the Steelers, dropping the Steelers to 9-6.
And it happened in the most unlikely ways, for a Ravens team that was starting Ryan Mallett less than two weeks after he was signed.
Mallett was efficient, completing 28-of-41 passes for 274 yards and a touchdown, and showing signs that perhaps he could be Joe Flacco’s backup next year.
But it was the Ravens defense against the Steelers that made it look like they had something to play for, as they improved to 5-10 by putting the clamps on one of the league’s hottest offenses of late.
The Ravens had only intercepted four passes all year, but had two against Ben Roethlisberger, and the one that was almost the third was the most dramatic.
Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith picked one in the end zone and returned it 101 yards for an apparent score, but a penalty on Courtney Upshaw for lining up offside brought it back and allowed the Steelers to make it close.
But it wasn’t enough, and now the Steelers need help.
