Big Ben near perfect as Steelers crush Ravens 38-7

PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger tied the Steelers' single-game record with five touchdown passes in the first half and Pittsburgh put on a Steel Curtain-like defensive show forcing 4 turnovers before halftime in a 38-7 victory over Baltimore on Monday night.

The Steelers (6-2) forced 3 fumbles in the first quarter, with James Harrison hitting All-Pro safety Ed Reed so hard on a punt return the ball flew nearly 15 feet before Pittsburgh recovered. Four plays later, Roethlisberger found Santonio Holmes for 15 yards on the first of their 2 opening-half touchdown pass plays and a 14-0 Steelers lead. Holmes had 110 yards on four receptions.

Roethlisberger was near perfect, going 13-of-16 for 209 yards with no interceptions.

"I wouldn't even know how to begin to characterize this," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "I'm just glad it's a short week and we don't have time to dwell on this."

Harrison seemed to torment Ravens quarterback Steve McNair on nearly every down.

Harrison had 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and interception and 2½ sacks before halftime.

"I haven't seen anyone play a game like that since high school -- not in college or the NFL," linebacker Larry Foote said. "But we knew we were going to dominate. You could just tell in practice."

Harrison could tell when the game started.

"To tell you the truth, it seemed like everything was working," Harrison said. "It was a little more satisfying because it was Baltimore and they cut me."

Harrison's hard hit caused Steve McNair to fumble on Baltimore's first possession and Harrison recovered himself at the 20. Roethlisberger responded by stepping out of the Ravens' pass rush to hit tight end Heath Miller on a 17-yard scoring pass midway through the first quarter.

A familiar pattern then settled in: the Ravens would turn the ball over, and the Steelers would score in a hurry as Roethlisberger also threw 2 TD passes to backup Nate Washington.