The Steelers, hobbled by injuries (and one suspension), failed to take advantage of the Ravens’ loss on Sunday, as Pittsburgh lost to the 49ers by a score of 20-3 Monday and fell to 10-4, behind Baltimore in the AFC North.
From the perspective of a Steelers fan, nothing about the game really felt right – it was repeatedly delayed by bizarre blackouts, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hobbled on an injured ankle en route to a four-turnover performance.
Still, the Steelers had a shot. The 49ers managed just two field goals in the first half despite two Roethlisberger interceptions, and the Steelers got a field goal of their own in the third quarter to cut the lead to 6-3. A few minutes later, though, Vernon Davis got a one-yard touchdown pass to make it 13-3.
Then Shaun Suisham missed a long field goal for the Steelers, and Roethlisberger fumbled on the Steelers’ next possession. That gave the 49ers great field position, and they capitalized, with a five-yard touchdown run by Frank Gore. A Tarell Brown interception on a deep ball by Roethlisberger a few minutes later sealed it.
For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.