Before the page is turned on the bye week, let's take one last look back.
Below are the best throw, catch, run and hit of the season so far (in our humble opinion). May there be many more to come. (Mobile users click "View in browser" above to watch.)
Best Throw
Joe Flacco's 80-Yard TD Toss To Steve Smith Sr. vs. Bengals
It's a tough call between this touchdown heave to Steve Smith against the Bengals in Week 1 or the 62-yard bomb that originally went for a touchdown against the Bengals in Week 8 but was overturned because of offensive pass interference. Both were on the money despite pressure on Flacco, who escaped from the pocket and threw on the move. It wasn't Flacco's fault that pass interference negated one, but the touchdown that actually stood takes the honor. This play would also win for best run after catch as Smith body-slammed Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to the ground before cruising into the end zone.
Best Catch
Steve Smith 21-Yard TD vs. Panthers
This play was also up for best throw as Flacco picked the ball up from the turf after a low snap and still lofted it to the perfect spot for Smith in the end zone. But Smith's diving catch may have been even more impressive. Panthers cornerback Melvin White was draped all over Smith and even held one arm (he was called for pass interference). It didn't matter as Smith fought him off and made a diving catch, cradling the ball against his body with one hand and slid through the back of the end zone. The fact that it came against Smith's former team was icing on the cake.
Best Run
Justin Forsett's 9-Yard TD vs. Titans
Trailing by seven points and after a rough first quarter, the Ravens needed somebody to make a play versus the Titans. Forsett delivered with his most impressive touchdown run of the year. It was fourth-and-1 and the Ravens pitched the ball outside to Forsett. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley didn't buy the fake and seemed to have Forsett right in his crosshairs. But Forsett gave Wimbley a subtle jab step and beat him to the edge while swatting away his diving attempt before tightrope walking up the sideline for the 9-yard score.
Best Hit
Courtney Upshaw's Big Ben Blast
When quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says it's the second-hardest hit he's taken in his life, it wins for best hit of the season. Rookie safety Terrence Brooks' legal hit on Titans tight end Delanie Walker comes in a close second, but the hurting outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw put on Roethlisberger (even though it drew a penalty flag) takes the cake. This was a pure-and-simple de-cleater to the sternum.
