Number Five

With the days leading up to the best new rivalry in football, I decided to give you my five favorite Steeler/Raven games of all time. These "Top 5" are games that have always stuck in my mind and to me tell the story of this fierce rivalry.

October 5th, 1997
Steelers 42 Ravens 34

Kordell Stewart threw three first half interceptions, while former Steelers Eric Green (1990 1st Round pick) and Bam Morris (1994 3rd Round pick) scored the Ravens first two touchdowns of the game. Brian Kinchen then caught a Vinny Testeverde pass for the Ravens third touchdown, giving them a 21-0 lead. Kordell Stewart ran in the Steelers first touchdown and Matt Stover added a field goal to end the first half, as the Ravens to a 24-7 lead into the locker room.

The Steelers started their comeback right off the bat as Will Blackwell took the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Charles Johnson caught an eight yard touchdown pass to end the third quarter, the Steelers still trailing 24-21. The Steelers started the fourth quarters with back to back touchdowns from Mark Bruener and Charles Johnson, his second on the day.

Derrick Alexander got the Ravens back in the game with a ten yard touchdown pass and Ernest Byner grabbed the two point conversion, putting the Ravens down 35-32. Kordell Stewart ended any hope of a comeback when just after the two minute warning he scrambled 74 yards to pay dirt.

The Steelers intercepted the Ravens quarterback Vinny Testeverde twice, sacked him four times and forced four Raven fumbles, recovering three. Kordell Stewart finished 18 of 28 for 246 yards, throwing for 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He also had six carries for 78 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Jerome Bettis controled the ground rushing 28 times for 137 yards.

The Steelers went on the finish 11-5 winning their fourth straight AFC Central Crown. Unfortunately the Steelers were beat in OT by the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game.