BALTIMORE — The three-decade rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens has developed a long and well-deserved reputation as one of the most hard-hitting in the NFL.
Sunday’s meeting certainly lived up to the billing, as no better exhibited byfour different Steelers leaving the game to be evaluated for a concussion.
Of those four, only cornerback Brandin Echols returned to the game, a 27-22 Steelers victory.
“It was a physical game, for sure,” said Echols, who has been playing an even more heightened role since the release of Darius Slay. “That’s just the way it is when it comes to the division, especially in our division.”
Echols briefly left during the fourth quarter.
Starting left tackle Anrus Peat did not play after about the midway point of the third quarter. Starting tight end Darnell Washington did not play after absorbing a hit following a 12-yard reception early in the second quarter, and inside linebacker Malik Harrison was forced out after taking a hit late in the first half.
Harrison, Peat and Washington were in the Steelers locker room after the game and showing no obvious signs of discomfort.
“Classic Steelers-Ravens. Unfortunately, maybe a lot of guys go down in the game,” coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “That’s kind of been a component of (the rivalry).”
Tomlin did not provide any substantive update on the condition of any of his players.
Safety Chuck Clark, inside linebacker Patrick Queen, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and wide receiver Ben Skowronek were among other Steelers players who left the game because of (non-head) injuries. Aside from Skowronek — whose ailment came so late in the game there were no other offensive snaps — each of the others returned to the game.
“It’s really kind of indicative of how this game is played, man,” Tomlin said of the bevy of injuries.
At one point the Steelers were without either of their starting inside linebackers (Queen and Harrison). Quality depth in the form of Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb held down the proverbial fort during the fourth quarter to thwart a Baltimore rally.
“That’s why it’s the ultimate team game,” Tomlin said. “I’m just appreciative of the collective efforts.”
