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Steelers Down Ravens, 23-14, for AFC Crown

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 18, 2009 9:39 PM CST

(AP) – Pittsburgh used its dominating defense to beat the Baltimore Ravens, 23-14, in tonight's AFC championship game and return to the Super Bowl, the AP reports. Santonio Holmes scored on an electrifying 65-yard catch-and-run in the first half, and hard-hitting safety Troy Polamalu returned an interception 40 yards for a clinching TD with 4:24 remaining for the Steelers (14-4).

Jeff Reed kicked three field goals for the Steelers, who will be seeking their sixth Super Bowl title. "They did it tonight the way we've done it all year," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "We've got a very humble group, a very selfless group." A Pittsburgh victory would make the 36-year-old Tomlin the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu runs for a 40-yard touchdown after catching an interception pass in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu runs for a 40-yard touchdown after catching an interception pass in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) fumbles as he is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers' Ryan Clark in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee (23) fumbles as he is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers' Ryan Clark in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu reaches out to sack Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu reaches out to sack Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) celebrates his 40-yard interception return for a touchdown in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) celebrates his 40-yard interception return for a touchdown in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee is carried off the field on a stretcher in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee is carried off the field on a stretcher in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) avoids Baltimore Ravens cornerback Frank Walker (41) on a 65-yard TD reception in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) avoids Baltimore Ravens cornerback Frank Walker (41) on a 65-yard TD reception in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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