Local reporters named Kyle Hamilton the Ravens MVP last week. This game proved why.

Hamilton was forced to leave the game in the early third quarter with a concussion. The Ravens led 10-3. The Steelers offense exploded after Hamilton left the field.

Pittsburgh scored three touchdowns on five possessions in the second half and kicked one field goal.

Smolka wrote, “Losing Kyle Hamilton altered the game.” Hamilton was the Ravens most active defender and one of their best tacklers for most of the season. In his absence, the Ravens defense was affected in all areas. Hamilton’s replacement Ar’Darius Washington missed tackles and had trouble in coverage. This included when Aaron Rodgers passed to tight end Pat Friermuth for a 31 yard pass down the seam, which set up the Steelers go-ahead touchdown with 3:49 left.

The Steelers turned many runs or swing passes into moderate or long gains after Hamilton’s departure.