Former Ravens CB Gary Baxter Remembers Blitz That Paved Way For Ben Roethlisberger

From Luke Jackson, PressBox.com:

Former Ravens cornerback Gary Baxter, whose blitz forced Tommy Maddox out of a 2004 Ravens-Steelers game and paved the way for Ben Roethlisberger to take over at quarterback for Pittsburgh, would’ve had a message for his team had he known how the rest of that season and much of the next two decades would play out.

“Let’s not call that blitz,” Baxter joked on Glenn Clark Radio Dec. 4.

The Ravens were ahead of the Steelers, 13-0, early in the third quarter of a Week 2 contest, with Maddox trying to lead Pittsburgh back. Maddox, then 33, had started all 16 games for the Steelers in 2003. Though the Steelers had drafted Roethlisberger out of Miami (Ohio) in the first round in the spring of 2004, it was still Maddox’s team.

Well, at least until Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan called Eagle 2 Blitz (Baxter still remembers the play call 17-plus years later). Baxter blitzed from the nickel position, sprinted around the left side of the Steelers’ line and hit Maddox on the right arm, forcing a fumble. Maddox left the game with a right elbow injury. Roethlisberger finished the game, completing 12 of 20 passes for 176 yards along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Ravens won, 30-13.

“Steelers Nation was pissed at me. They were mad. I was like, ‘Oh, my word, what’s going on?’” Baxter recalled. “And so the next week, Ben Roethlisberger, he plays Miami. It was kind of a rainy, soggy game, so I made sure I paid attention to it and they won. I was like, ‘OK, all right.’ Then the next week they won, and the week after that they won. I was like, ‘Oh, what we have we created?’”

Roethlisberger never relinquished his hold on the starting quarterback spot, and the Steelers didn’t lose another contest that season until the AFC championship game against the Patriots. The Steelers went 15-1 during the regular season, outscoring opponents by 121 points on the year. Roethlisberger completed 66.4 percent of his throws for 2,621 yards and 17 touchdowns during his rookie season.

Roethlisberger ended up authoring a Hall of Fame career — 18 seasons, 164 wins, 417 touchdown passes, more than 63,000 passing yards […]

“My family and I are overwhelmed with the love and support we have received around last night’s game. We are truly grateful for every one of you.”

…is all about great big smiles!!



Photo: Ed Thompson

Sometimes a photograph says it all.

Photo: Matt Freed.


Photo: Steelers.


You can watch video of Ben taking a victory lap here

You can watch Ben’s post-game press conference here.

You can read Teresa’s Varley’s beautiful post-game piece on Ben here.

…with the non-tweeters:

If tonight is the last ride at home, I have to say thank you to one of the best QBs in NFL History for welcoming me into this league, helping me grow, and being there for me in every step of my career. It’s been an honor to catch passes and take the field with you.

Thank you, 7! pic.twitter.com/YsL53rfpfE

— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) January 3, 2022

Honored to be a small part of your Hall of Fame career, 7. Will forever cherish and be grateful for all the lessons you have taught me. The 🐐. @_BigBen7 pic.twitter.com/VQH7HTMeiJ

— Pat Freiermuth (@pat_fry5) January 4, 2022

#ThankYou7 as a little kid watching you play I admired your toughness. Becoming a pro and getting an opportunity to learn from you has been nothing but a blessing. It was a honor to be your teammate. Good luck with the rest of your journey. We’ll go hunting soon 😂 @_BigBen7 pic.twitter.com/ycRlTMLqzj

— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) January 4, 2022

My Guy ⁦@_BigBen7⁩ thank you for the memories! #roommates #Canton #Legend #SteelerNation pic.twitter.com/YMahiQCSAF

— Verron Haynes (@VerronHaynes) January 3, 2022

That's my quarterback. 💯 It was a privilege to be your teammate and a great honor to call you my brother. #BigBen #family pic.twitter.com/Qenw2XQxuw

— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) January 3, 2022

My teammate, my friend, my brother for life @_BigBen7. I’m ready to watch you work tonight!! #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/43v1e9c7kx

— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) January 3, 2022

Love ya 7 pic.twitter.com/jpr084nIZQ

— Brett Keisel (@bkeisel99) December 30, 2021

Thank you 7‼️ Thank you for the leadership, support and friendship. My QB for my entire career. 2 Super Bowls and moments I’ll never forget. Legendary career, next stop Canton. @_BigBen7 #Steelers @steelers pic.twitter.com/yWyBhP3hAI

— Willie Parker (@3williethadude9) January 3, 2022

Everyone was always wondering who #5 was in this video 🔥🔥

But the guy behind him wasn’t bad either 😜😜. Congrats […]

…is starting off the New Year by sharing his favorite photographs of #7 over the years!

Enjoy!

(in no particular order)































Thank you to Mr. Diana for sharing these incredible shots with us!!