The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a hard-fought 18-16 victory against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, thanks to the creative ingenuity of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. On a day when the Steelers’ offense struggled to find the end zone, Smith turned to backup quarterback Justin Fields to secure crucial first downs that ultimately sealed the game.
The Steelers’ offensive woes were apparent from the start, marking the first significant struggle since Russell Wilson took over as the starting quarterback earlier this season. Wilson, known for his veteran leadership, was under constant duress from Baltimore’s aggressive defense.
Despite throwing for 205 yards, Wilson was sacked four times and, for the first time as a Steeler, failed to throw a touchdown pass. While his passing yards helped move the chains, the drives repeatedly stalled in the red zone, resulting in field goals instead of touchdowns.
The Steelers’ rushing attack, led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, provided some relief but failed to break through Baltimore’s defensive front for any significant scoring plays. Harris tallied 63 yards, and Warren added 41, but the lack of touchdowns further underscored the offense’s challenges.
Late-game creative play-calling helped the Steelers' offense secure a divisional win
Recognizing the need for a spark, Arthur Smith boldly inserted backup quarterback Justin Fields into the game during critical moments. Fields, who had primarily served as a backup since Week 7 for the Steelers, provided a fresh dynamic with his mobility.
On two designed runs, Fields gained 17 yards, picking up pivotal first downs that extended drives and kept the Ravens’ defense guessing. While these plays didn’t lead directly to touchdowns, they were instrumental in setting up field goal opportunities and maintaining possession during key moments late in the game.
Chris Boswell, the Steelers’ ever-reliable kicker, capitalized on those opportunities, going a perfect 6-for-6 on field goal attempts and accounting for all 18 of Pittsburgh’s points. Boswell’s performance was essential in a game where offensive touchdowns were elusive.
Arthur Smith’s willingness to adapt and make unconventional decisions was the difference in this tightly contested divisional matchup. The victory marked the Steelers’ eighth win of the season and showcased Smith’s ability to think outside the box when the standard game plan falters.
While the offense’s struggles are a concern, Smith’s use of Fields demonstrates a level of creativity that could pave the way for future success as the Steelers continue their push for the playoffs.