Small mistakes and hidden plays shifted momentum as the Ravens secured a vital win over the Steelers.

When it comes to football, the big plays often steal the spotlight. But sometimes, it’s the small, overlooked moments that quietly define the outcome of a game. In their recent matchup, the Baltimore Ravens edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers, not because of flashy touchdowns or dramatic turnovers, but due to subtle, critical plays that flew under the radar.

A Misstep on the Kickoff

The turning point began immediately after the Steelers had tied the game at 17, thanks to a spectacular catch by running back Cordarrelle Patterson. The momentum appeared to be swinging Pittsburgh’s way—until kicker Chris Boswell misfired on the ensuing kickoff.

Attempting to angle the ball toward the sideline, Boswell’s kick sailed out of bounds without even bouncing in play. This rare mistake handed the Ravens the ball at their own 40-yard line, a prime position to start their next drive. Boswell, who has been having an outstanding season, was visibly frustrated, reacting as though he had just sliced a tee shot into the trees.

Capitalizing on Opportunity

The Ravens wasted no time taking advantage of the Steelers’ error. On the very first play of the drive, quarterback Lamar Jackson found tight end Mark Andrews on a crossing route for a 16-yard gain. Andrews easily beat linebacker Patrick Queen in coverage, pushing the ball into Steelers’ territory at the 44-yard line.

From there, Baltimore’s offense continued to click. Jackson connected with wide receiver Zay Flowers for 14 yards and running back Derrick Henry for another 16. The drive culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Andrews, a play made possible by a Steelers’ coverage breakdown.

In just a few plays, the Ravens turned a gift from Boswell’s miscue into a commanding response, reclaiming the lead.

Pittsburgh’s Fight, and Baltimore’s Finish

The Steelers didn’t go down without a fight. They managed to tie the game again briefly, but the Ravens swiftly struck back, and this time, the lead was permanent. While Pittsburgh grappled with multiple issues throughout the game—none more costly than Russell Wilson’s pick-six—it was clear that the momentum-shifting errors early on had already set the stage for Baltimore’s victory.

The Little Things Add Up

As head coach Mike Tomlin often says, football is a game of inches. The Boswell kickoff may not make the Monday morning highlights, but it epitomized how the smallest errors can snowball into significant consequences. For the Ravens, it was an opportunity seized; for the Steelers, a lesson in how quickly control can slip away.

As the Steelers reflect on their performance, one thing is clear: it wasn’t just the touchdowns or turnovers that determined the outcome. The forgotten plays, the hidden moments—they were the true difference-makers in this game.