Game story
In Week 17 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-12-29, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Baltimore Ravens, pulling away with a 34–31 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Maddox (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with +7.15 total EPA.
On the individual side, J. Blake (Baltimore Ravens) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.42 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-40.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Baltimore Ravens changed the game: (:18) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 81-R.Hymes INTERCEPTED by 20-D.Washington at PIT 0. Touchback.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 13 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Blake · Baltimore Ravens · Passing · +12.42 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 2 T. Heap · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +8.42 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
- 3 T. Maddox · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +7.15 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 4 A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +6.05 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.02 EPA/play
- 5 T. Taylor · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +5.15 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 6 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.90 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 7 C. Fuamatu-Ma'afala · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +4.81 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 8 J. Lewis · Baltimore Ravens · Rushing · +4.00 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Blake — BAL · Passing
J. Blake posted the highest total EPA (+12.42) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Baltimore Ravens's efficiency. Across 31 counted snaps, they averaged +0.40 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.70 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (3:13) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 42-A.Mitchell at BAL -1. 42-A.Mitchell to BAL 29 for 30 yards (77-M.Smith).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (T. Maddox pass)
- Baltimore Ravens — J. Lewis
- Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Zereoue
- Baltimore Ravens — A. Ricard
- Baltimore Ravens — T. Heap (J. Blake pass)
- Baltimore Ravens — C. Taylor (J. Blake pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Zereoue
- Pittsburgh Steelers — A. Randle (T. Maddox pass)
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Reed
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Reed
- Baltimore Ravens — M. Stover
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the BAL 23 (Q1 50:51) — (5:51) 8-T.Maddox pass to 86-H.Ward for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the BAL 2 (Q1 50:43) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.; Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q1 49:40); Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 49:32) — 3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 13–7. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the BAL 5 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the BAL 1 (Q2 36:50) — (6:50) 21-A.Zereoue right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the BAL 2 (Q2 36:48) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.; Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q2 35:37) — (5:37) 39-A.Ricard up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 35:33) — 3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the BAL 30 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 3-J.Reed 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox..
The third quarter: Baltimore Ravens won the period 10–0. Baltimore Ravens connected on a field goal from the PIT 25 (Q3 24:28) — (9:28) 3-M.Stover 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil.; Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the PIT 31 (Q3 22:15) — (7:15) 11-J.Blake pass to 86-T.Heap for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on PIT-20-D.Washington, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 22:07) — 3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the PIT 20 (Q4 13:04) — (13:04) 11-J.Blake pass to 29-C.Taylor for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 12:57) — 3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the BAL 5 (Q4 7:58) — (7:58) 21-A.Zereoue left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the BAL 8 (Q4 2:38) — (2:38) 8-T.Maddox pass to 82-A.Randle El for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Maddox escaped pressure by Boulware.; Pittsburgh Steelers registered a safety from the BAL 2 (Q4 2:29) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Baltimore Ravens (Q4 0:18) — (:18) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 81-R.Hymes INTERCEPTED by 20-D.Washington at PIT 0. Touchback.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 18:13) — (3:13) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 42-A.Mitchell at BAL -1. 42-A.Mitchell to BAL 29 for 30 yards (77-M.Smith).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q4 1:52) — (1:52) 11-J.Blake pass to 81-R.Hymes pushed ob at PIT 48 for 33 yards (31-M.Logan).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q2 30:16) — (:16) 11-J.Blake sacked at BAL 46 for -10 yards (92-J.Gildon). FUMBLES (92-J.Gildon), RECOVERED by PIT-91-A.Smith at BAL 46. 91-A.Smith to BAL 46 for no gain (77-E.Brooks).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 2:38) — (2:38) 8-T.Maddox pass to 82-A.Randle El for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Maddox escaped pressure by Boulware.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 18:13) — (3:13) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 42-A.Mitchell at BAL -1. 42-A.Mitchell to BAL 29 for 30 yards (77-M.Smith).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q4 7:51) — 3-J.Reed kicks 47 yards from PIT 30 to BAL 23. 29-C.Taylor MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by PIT-50-L.Foote at BAL 31. 50-L.Foote to BAL 31 for no gain (49-C.Williams).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q1 55:16) — (10:16) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 86-T.Heap INTERCEPTED by 26-D.Townsend at PIT 0. Touchback. Pressure by #55 Porter
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 23:08) — (8:08) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 35-D.Kreider INTERCEPTED by 38-J.Trapp at BAL 45. 38-J.Trapp to PIT 47 for 8 yards (45-C.Fuamatu-Ma'afala).
Quarterback report card
T.Maddox led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Maddox (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 40 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · +0.18 EPA/play · +7.15 total EPA
- J.Blake (Baltimore Ravens) · 31 dropbacks · 61.3% completion · +0.40 EPA/play · +12.42 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Baltimore Ravens | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.238 | +0.181 |
| Offensive success rate | 54.3% | 50.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.401 | +0.164 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.226 | +0.077 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.181 | -0.238 |
| Defensive success rate | 49.5% | 45.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Baltimore Ravens generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.24 vs +0.18), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Baltimore Ravens: 11 drives, +16.65 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, +16.85 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Pittsburgh Steelers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Blake (Baltimore Ravens) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 50:51 · BAL 23 · Score 0-6
(5:51) 8-T.Maddox pass to 86-H.Ward for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 50:43 · BAL 2 · Score 0-7
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q1 49:40 · PIT 6 · Score 6-7
(4:40) 31-J.Lewis left guard to PIT 2 for 4 yards. FUMBLES, recovered by BAL-39-A.Ricard at PIT 0. TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by PIT and Upheld. (Timeout #1 at - Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q1 49:32 · PIT 2 · Score 7-7
3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 45:00 · BAL 5 · Score 7-10
(15:00) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 36:50 · BAL 1 · Score 7-16
(6:50) 21-A.Zereoue right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 36:48 · BAL 2 · Score 7-17
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q2 35:37 · PIT 6 · Score 13-17
(5:37) 39-A.Ricard up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q2 35:33 · PIT 2 · Score 14-17
3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · BAL 30 · Score 14-20
(:04) 3-J.Reed 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Baltimore Ravens FG (+3) — Q3 24:28 · PIT 25 · Score 17-20
(9:28) 3-M.Stover 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q3 22:15 · PIT 31 · Score 23-20
(7:15) 11-J.Blake pass to 86-T.Heap for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on PIT-20-D.Washington, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. - Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q3 22:07 · PIT 2 · Score 24-20
3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q4 13:04 · PIT 20 · Score 30-20
(13:04) 11-J.Blake pass to 29-C.Taylor for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q4 12:57 · PIT 2 · Score 31-20
3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-59-J.Maese, Holder-15-D.Zastudil. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 7:58 · BAL 5 · Score 31-26
(7:58) 21-A.Zereoue left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 2:38 · BAL 8 · Score 31-32
(2:38) 8-T.Maddox pass to 82-A.Randle El for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Maddox escaped pressure by Boulware. - Pittsburgh Steelers Safety (+2) — Q4 2:29 · BAL 2 · Score 31-34
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens 34-31 in Week 17, 2002 on 2002-12-29.
What was the final score of Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The final score was Baltimore Ravens 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 34 (BAL 31-34 PIT) in Week 17, 2002 on 2002-12-29.
What was the score by quarter in Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Baltimore Ravens 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q2: Baltimore Ravens 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 13; Q3: Baltimore Ravens 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 0; Q4: Baltimore Ravens 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Final: Baltimore Ravens 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 34.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (T. Maddox pass) (Q1 50:51) Baltimore Ravens touchdown — J. Lewis (Q1 49:40) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Zereoue (Q2 36:50) Baltimore Ravens touchdown — A. Ricard (Q2 35:37) Baltimore Ravens touchdown — T. Heap (J. Blake pass) (Q3 22:15) Baltimore Ravens touchdown — C. Taylor (J. Blake pass) (Q4 13:04) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Zereoue (Q4 7:58) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Randle (T. Maddox pass) (Q4 2:38) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 45:00, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Baltimore Ravens field goal — M. Stover (Q3 24:28, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
T. Maddox (Pittsburgh Steelers), 50.0% completion, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +7.15 total passing EPA. J. Blake (Baltimore Ravens), 61.3% completion, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +12.42 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
J. Blake (Baltimore Ravens) led the game in total EPA with +12.42 on passing plays. across 31 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.70 EPA): (3:13) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 42-A.Mitchell at BAL -1. 42-A.Mitchell to BAL 29 for 30 yards (77-M.Smith).. The biggest win-probability swing was -40.4%.
Was Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 34-31 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Baltimore Ravens
Entered 7-8 Now 7-9 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
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