Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco threw his first career NFL touchdown and the Ravens’ defense recorded three sacks and an interception, but it was not enough to hold off the Steelers in Monday nights overtime loss.

The Ravens took a commanding 13-3 lead into halftime, but in a tale of two halves, they were outscored by the Steelers 17-10 in the final two quarters of play.

The Steelers scored two touchdowns in the third quarter and tacked on a field goal before the Ravens were able to make a late rally down the field with a score to tie the game with just 5:17 remaining in regulation.

The Ravens won the overtime coin toss, but two holding penalties brought back a rather decent kick return from midfield to deep in the Ravens own territory. The Steelers put a lot of pressure on Flacco and gained good field position on their first drive in overtime which concluded with the game winning field goal.

Steelers’ quarterback Big Ben completed 14 of 24 passes for 191 and a touchdown.

Willie Parker sat the game out, and his replacements ended up getting injured as well, as the Steelers went through three different running backs during the game.

The Ravens’ defense held the Parker-less Steeler rushing game to just 69 net yards. The Ravens gained 103 on the ground.

The Steelers defensive blitzkrieg knocked Flacco down to register five sacks in their 23-20 victory. Flacco fumbled twice, one of which was recovered by the Steelers.

The Ravens (2-1) face the Titans (4-0) next week and the Steelers (3-1) return on national television against the Jaguars on Sunday night.

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