End Of Brian Billick Era

Remember When Steelers At Ravens, 2007

The Ravens wrapped up one of their most disappointing seasons with a 27-21 victory over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 30, 2007. Pittsburgh had already made the playoffs and was the No. 4 seed. It was the Ravens' first win in 76 days, ending their franchise-record losing streak at nine games. A day after the game, Ravens coach Brian Billick, who led the team to its only Super Bowl title, was fired.

WHAT HAPPENED: : Reserve running backs Musa Smith and Cory Ross helped the Ravens control the clock, quarterback Troy Smith played like a Heisman Trophy winner and David Pittman came up with two interceptions. The often-criticized Pittman had not had an interception after being the Ravens' third-round pick in the 2006 draft. Pittman's interception of reserve quarterback Charlie Batch's desperation heave sealed the win for the Ravens, who avoided matching their worst season record.

KEY STATS: : Musa Smith and Ross combined to rush for 155 yards. ... Troy Smith completed 16 of 27 passes for 171 yards and rushed for 23 more. .... The Ravens out-gained the Steelers 334 yards to 264 yards and dominated time of possession 36:42 to 23:18.

QUOTABLE: : "It was an outstanding win. I've been in this league for 20-plus years now, and I've never, ever, ever heard anybody allude to wanting to lose a game for draft position. I've never heard it from a player, coach, general manager, and I don't know that I ever will." - Billick

QUOTABLE: : "You enjoy the win, but you look back and say, woulda, coulda, shoulda. It's one of those things that hurts because you knew you had a quality football team, but we weren't able to put that football team on the field this year." - Bart Scott, linebacker