McGahee’s first-quarter touchdown on first drive gives Ravens 7-0 lead over Steelers

McGahee scores TD, Ravens lead Steelers 7-0

BALTIMORE — Willis McGahee scored on a 2-yard run and the Baltimore Ravens led the Pittsburgh Steelers 7-0 after the first quarter Sunday night.

The Steelers started third-stringer Dennis Dixon at quarterback in place of the injured Ben Rothlisberger, who was listed as the team’s third quarterback and was to be used only in an emergency.

Rothlisberger was sidelined with a concussion sustained late in last Sunday’s loss to Kansas City when he collided with the knee of Chiefs linebacker Derrick Jackson.

Pittsburgh was also without backup quarterback Charlie Batch, who broke his wrist after taking over for Rothlisberger last week, and signed Tyler Palko to back up Dixon.

After the Steelers went three-and-out on the game’s initial possession, Joe Flacco drove the Ravens 73 yards in nine plays, with McGahee’s TD run producing a 7-0 lead.

Flacco was 5 for 5 for 50 yards on the drive, which gave the Ravens their first offensive touchdown in the first half since Oct. 4.

Dixon was 2 for 3 for 14 yards in the opening period.