On this day, we all have things we are thankful for. Family, friends, and football are the staples of Thanksgiving. This year, Ravens fans get to sit back, relax, and watch six NFC teams face off on Thanksgiving day matchups. The great displays on the television will bring back fond memories of the last time the Ravens played on Thanksgiving day, in 2013. The Ravens missed the playoffs in 2013, but in week 13, Baltimore was in the thick of the hunt. The Ravens and Steelers met in a battle, where both team’s playoff hopes were on the line on Thanksgiving day. It was one of the most memorable games in Ravens history.
The game started off well for the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore got out to a 10-0 lead by the end of the second quarter. In the third quarter, Justin Tucker extended the lead to 13 points, but the Steelers fought back. The Steelers, led by Ben Roethlisberger’s arm, outscored the Ravens 20-9 after the Tucker field goal. Despite the Steelers comeback attempt, the Ravens held them off. With the victory, the Ravens moved up to a 6-6 record and kept themselves in contention for the playoffs. The Steelers fell to 5-7, which put Pittsburgh in a very difficult position. The loss all but ended the Steelers’ playoff hopes.
The defining moment of the game came in the third quarter. Jacoby Jones fielded a kickoff at the goal line and broke away on the return. As he was running down the sideline, with just one man to beat, he encountered Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who was standing in the way of Jones. Jones was forced to avoid him and was tackled because of the situation. Despite the obvious interference, Tomlin was not penalized. The controversy carried on throughout the game, and many called for the league to discipline Tomlin. Despite the effect it had on the play, Tomlin’s interference did not cost Baltimore the game, as the Ravens went on to win 22-20.
