Steelers 16, Ravens 7

Big stop to start the third quarter by the Steelers. Brett Keisel was saying last week that the opening drive of the third quarter is huge for both teams, and the Steelers might have sent a message by forcing a punt.

Not much action so far this quarter, although the hitting is still crisp. Parker just got lit up on an incomplete pass.

3:38: Reed makes it 16-7 with a 45-yard field goal. The Steelers are playing it fairly close to the vest right now with Ward out. Roethlisberger threw a deep pass to Sweed on third down and the rookie made a nice play to break up what would have been an interception in the end zone by Corey Ivy.

It looks like Flacco might have to put together a drive through the air to get the Ravens back in this, and that's a lot to ask of the rookie.

3:25 (running): Then again, McGahee just ripped off a 14-yard gain, so maybe Flacco doesn't need to throw. McGahee has 72 yards on 16 carries.

2:17 (running): Flacco just went down on backside pressure from Woodley for a 4-yard loss. Third-and-14 coming up, and this is right where the Steelers want Flacco.

Great, great open-field tackle by Polamalu after a dump-off by Flacco to Todd Heap. Punt by the Ravens, who are down to their final 15:58.

End of the quarter with the Steelers facing third down.

-- John Dudley