It was a perfect chance for the Ravens to go in for a touchdown that might have well put the game out of reach.

Instead, they ran the ball twice for six yards and threw an incomplete pass. They had to settle for a field goal, and the Steelers rallied for a 13-9 win.

One of the reasons for Baltimore's success this year has been their offense under rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and first year offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

But on Sunday, they didn't have much of an offense.

Much of that was because of the Steelers, who rank No. 1 in the NFL defensively. But the Ravens also used a conservative gameplan, reminiscent of their days under Brian Billick.

Flacco had his worst day of the year, completing just 11 of 28 passes for 115 yards and two interceptions. He had a quarterback rating of 22.2.

The only time the offense really looked sharp was late in the first half when they drove from their own 23 to the Steelers 8 for a field goal.

In that drive, Flacco was five of 8 for 46 yards, including a clutch 17-yard reception to Mark Clayton on a third and seven situation.

Le'Ron McClain got the drive started with three runs for 20 yards.

But otherwise the offense struggled as the Ravens were limited to 202 yards and 12 first downs. They did manage 112 yards on the ground, the second most given up by the Steelers this year.

"They're the No. 1 defense in the league statistically and they feel confident in what they're doing," Flacco said. "They did a good job."

Meanwhile, it looks like the Ravens have settled on McClain as their top running back. He started for the second time this year and gained 87 yards on 23 carries. Willis McGahee managed just 18 yards on six carries.

n The Ravens defense held Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker to 47 yards on 14 carries. They have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 33 straight games.

n The loss ended the Ravens' five-game home winning streak against the Steelers.

n The game drew 71,502 fans, a franchise record.

n Cornerback Fabian Washington, who played well on Sunday, suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter and missed the rest of the game.

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