By Joe Schiller
Meaningless is a subjective word.
In terms of the standings, Sunday's game against the Steelers was meaningless for the Ravens. They already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage.
But it wasn't a meaningless rivarly game. It was a chance for Baltimore to make sure their AFC North rival didn't make the playoffs. It wasn't meaningless for Robert Griffin III either, who made his first start under since 2017.
The conditions were wet at M&T Bank Stadium, but the Ravens struck first with back-to-back field goals from Justin Tucker to take a 6-0 lead with 2:40 left in the first quarter. The Steelers answered on the ensuing drive as Benny Snell found his way into the endzone on a 4-yard run, but it would be the only touchdown Pittsburgh could muster up on the day. Wink Martindale's defense forced two turnovers, and a safety as Delvin "Duck" Hodges finished just 9-of-25 for 95 passing yards.
Edwards led the run game, totaling 130 rushing yards on 21 carries. Griffin added 50 yards, while Hill scored his second career touchdown, finding the endzone in back-to-back weeks.
The Ravens took a 16-7 halftime lead and never looked back. Tucker added a 47-yard field goal, Jordan Richards fumble recovery for a touchdown secured Pittsburgh would miss the playoffs for the second straight season.