STEELERS Lewis tops 2,000; Ravens win in OT

Baltimore celebrated its first division title in franchise history.
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Jamal Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens put a gratifying lid on a spectacular regular season.
Lewis became the fifth player in NFL history to run for 2,000 yards in a season, and the Ravens celebrated the first division title in franchise history by beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10 in overtime Sunday night.
Lewis fell 39 yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record, but that didn't spoil the enjoyment he derived from a year in which he earned his first Pro Bowl berth, won the NFL rushing title and amassed the most yards from scrimmage in the league.
"I'm not disappointed," Lewis said. "The opportunity was there, and we went at it. My line, they blocked well. It was in reach, but we didn't get it. I think second is good."
There's nothing wrong with coming in second behind Dickerson, as long as the Ravens finish first in their division.
"Second-leading all-time, that ain't bad," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "He came up short, but that's not a real priority for us."
Won on Stover's FG
Earning the distinction of AFC North champions earlier in the day, the Ravens won on a 47-yard field goal by Matt Stover with 11:32 left in overtime.
Lewis ran for 114 yards on 27 carries to finish the season with 2,066 yards rushing -- tantalizingly close to Dickerson's mark of 2,105, set in 1984. It was Lewis' 12th 100-yard game of the season.
"Great year, and it's not done yet," Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden said. "When we sit down at the end of the season, it will mean more. No. 2 all-time, what more can you say?"
The result of the game became meaningless when the Cincinnati Bengals lost to Cleveland earlier Sunday, clinching division title for the Ravens (10-6), who will open the postseason Saturday at home against the Tennessee Titans (12-4).
Because the game meant little to Baltimore, no one would have blamed Billick for saving Lewis for the playoffs. But the starters played to the end.
"I am surprised coach left me in the game," Lewis said.
"This is the Pittsburgh Steelers," Billick said. "You can't cheat the game, you can't cheat the fans."
2,000-yard mark
Lewis reached the 2,000-yard mark with seven minutes elapsed, had 73 yards after the first quarter and 109 yards after three periods.
But he gained only 2 yards on six carries in the fourth quarter and got 3 yards in overtime to finish with the second-best rushing season in the history of the league.
"I didn't even want him to get to 2,000," Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter said. "He got the big runs early, so he got the 2,000. ... He got some yards, but he didn't get the record."
The only others to reach 2,000 yards in a season are: Barry Sanders (2,053 in 1997); Terrell Davis (2,008 in 1998); and O.J. Simpson (2,003 in 1973, a 14-game season).
Dickerson was shown on television after the game holding up a handmade sign that said: "19 years and counting."
The Steelers (6-10) are done for the year after losing in Baltimore for the first time in seven games since 1996. Had Pittsburgh stuffed Lewis early, the result might have been different.
"The first couple of series, he was running very well," Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher said. "Once we made some adjustments in the second quarter, I felt like we pretty much had him in control."
Bettis passes Brown
Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis ran for 54 yards to move past Jim Brown into sixth on the career list with 12,353. Tony Dorsett ranks fifth with 12,739 yards.
"To go in front of the legendary Jim Brown, it's an honor because he's considered the greatest ever," Bettis said. "I have the whole offseason to really reflect on it."
The Ravens and Lewis, meanwhile, are looking forward to the playoffs.
"I love the guy," said Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who had one of three interceptions against Tommy Maddox. "We just try to get turnovers just to see Jamal run."