While the final scores do not tell you much about what transpired throughout the game, the final drives can. On Pittsburgh's final drive, Ben Roethlisberger (who had been beaten, badgered, and bottled-up all game long) drove his team ninety-two yards down the field. It is noteworthy that Ben started this drive on his own eight yards line, because Baltimore's special teams consistently pinned the Steelers inside the ten yard line...and, more importantly, driving the entire length of the field against Baltimore's defense seemed impossible, especially since Pittsburgh's receivers had been "less than stellar" thus far (e.g. Pittsburgh's first three drives of the game were killed by drops on third down). Regardless of what transpired in the first fifty-seven minutes of the game, Ben completed seven first down throws, setting up a third-and-goal from the four yard line. [Note: tighten up your chin straps, because it is about to get ugly.]
On third-and-goal, Ben threw a pass to Santonio Holmes that was originally ruled to be down at the three-inch line. But, the ruling was eventually overturned, giving Pittsburgh a touchdown.
And, the chat-rooms went wild!!!
Did the ball cross the plane of the goal-line? Does a receiver need to have both feet in? What actually defines "possession"?
I am sure that you can read a much more in-depth analysis of the play (on some message board), so I will spare you all of the nauseating details, by simply stating the following:
The ball has to cross the plane of the goal-line...period.
Again, you can read a diatribe about this play (on some blog)...but, I will make it simple. Mike Pereira, the head of officiating for the NFL, and a man known for openly admitting when his officials have made mistakes, stated that "the football crossed the plane of the goal-line." Ergo, it was indeed a touchdown.
Did the first official have a poor view of the play? Should it have been overturned? I do not know, and I am not sure. But, according to Pereira, the correct call (i.e. overturning the initial call and ruling it a touchdown) was made.
Regardless of the ruling, the more important question that the Ravens need to be asking themselves is: How did Big Ben drive ninety-two yards on Baltimore's defense?
All of this said, the game was not yet over. The Ravens started their final drive with excellent field position, because, as was evident all game, the Steelers shot themselves in the foot: Jeff Reed drew an "unnecessary roughness" penalty while kicking an extra point, and in turn, on the ensuing kick-off, the Ravens started on their own forty-seven yard line. Despite the shortened field, Baltimore could not muster up much offense (which was the theme for their offense in this game). In short, William Gay intercepted a Joe Flacco pass, and the game was over.
It should be noted that lost amid the hyperbole over the "bad call" is James Harrison's effect on the outcome of this game. I know, I know, the highlight reels will not show much, but Harrison's effect was felt for the entire week leading up to this game. Simply, the Ravens altered their ENTIRE offense to stop James Harrison. For example, Adam Terry, an offensive tackle, played almost every snap on offense...at tight end, on Harrison's side of the ball. In other words, the Ravens took a skill player off of the field, and put in an extra offensive tackle, in order to negate James Harrison. While Harrison might not have had a sack in the game, his presence was felt every time that Joe Flacco looked up to find a receiver...and realized that he had one less player to whom he could throw the ball.
Even despite being double-teamed on almost every single play of the game, James Harrison still almost had two sacks. Of course, I say "almost" because as soon as James blew past the two Baltimore tackles, they either held him and/or blocked him in the back (in order to avoid Flacco being sacked). Of course, you will hear nary a mention of these missed calls, because...well...they lack the pizzazz of a goal-line controversy.
In summation, another tough team pushed the Steelers to the edge of the cliff. And, once again, at the eleventh hour, Pittsburgh shoved back. Some might be concerned that the Steelers are eking out games. To me, it is a testament to their moxie. In other words, Pittsburgh's defense is the best that the NFL has seen in a decade; Ben Roethlisberger will, more times than not, lead his team back in the final minutes; and, the media-at-large will figure out a way to "discredit" any Steelers victory.
