The Baltimore Ravens entered the game with a (6-1) record in games against the Steelers when Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t start — now (7-1). The stat alone suggests many things, the most obvious being that the Steelers quarterback is injured often.
And then there’s Joe Flacco.
Flacco can make some of the most bone-headed plays imaginable at times, particularly against the Steelers. But one can NEVER question his toughness, resiliency and willingness to accept responsibility. He can also deliver a clutch pass when called upon.
Despite a suffocating pass rush, a defensive alignment that compressed the Ravens offense driven purely by the Steelers’ lack of respect for the Ravens’ team speed and receivers who by the end of the game consisted of 2 undrafted free agents, a rookie 6th-round pick and 2 rookie tight ends, Flacco stood strong in the pocket (he was decked by a blitzing William Gay) and delivered a dart to Kamar Aiken with 29 seconds left in regulation while facing a third-and-10 from their own 48.
The throw set up the tying score that sent the game into overtime, a game that for all intents and purposes was a tale of two kickers. On one hand there was Justin Tucker (pay the man) who nailed 3 field goals, the last of which being the game winner, a 52-yarder (a rarity at Heinz Field) that would have been good from 60.
On the other hand there is Josh Scobee. The former Jaguar missed two field goals to keep the Ravens alive. The Ravens willingly accepted the gifts from their gracious hosts on their way to a season-saving win.
THE GOOD
Kamar Aiken was clutch (marinate in that for a moment). When Steve Smith left the game someone among the receiving corps had to step up and Aiken did, repeatedly during key moments, particularly the touchdown grab when he showed late separation. And let’s not forget the aforementioned catch to set up the game tying FG during the waning seconds of regulation. He pulled in 5 balls for 77 yards and a score…Justin Forsett had a big game when the Ravens needed one on the ground. He was helped by some gaping holes created by the O-line on his way to 150 yards on 27 carries…Michael Campanaro showed some play-making ability in tight spaces, particularly on his TD run, aided greatly by a key block from Steve Smith, Sr. Hopefully the oft-injured WR can bounce back for the October 11 game against the Browns – but I won’t hold my breath…Justin Tucker, 3 for 3 from 40, 42 and 52.
Brandon Williams continued his stout 2015 campaign. The guy is a stud and started the game with a hit on Michael Vick on the very first play from scrimmage…Daryl Smith shrugged off a slow start and showed explosiveness in short spaces. He led the team with 13 tackles…When you contain Antonio Brown (5 catches, 9 targets, 42 yards) credit must be given to the man who was assigned to him most frequently. Nice bounce-back game Jimmy Smith…Will Davis had a nice debut with two key PD’s, one at the 2:30 mark of regulation and another at the 12:46 mark of OT. Kyle Arrington probably plummeted on the depth chart…Will Hill showed great tackling technique and contributed two big plays. He dropped Antonio Brown for a 5-yard loss and in overtime he brought down Le’Veon Bell a yard short of the stick on a 3rd and 2 from the Ravens 39.
The Ravens were excellent on third down holding the Steelers to a conversion rate of 15% (2 of 13) and 0 for 2 on fourth down…Penalties were down dramatically (4 for 30 yards).
THE BAD
Kelechi Osemele still struggles in pass protection. He was overpowered at times and his inefficiencies prevented Flacco from stepping up into the pocket – a pocket that often vanished rapidly…Courtney Upshaw failed to contain Vick on two occasions allowing the QB to make significant gains off the edge…Kendrick Lewis is a perfect example of “One man’s trash is another’s treasure.” He could be in danger of losing his job. He just doesn’t make plays…Albert McClellan totally whiffed on Bell during his TD scamper.
THE UGLY
Flacco’s screen pass to Nick Boyle in the third quarter was horrible. Facing a second and 10 from the Steelers 28, the play was set up nicely and had game changing potential. The Ravens tough signal caller was sloppy with the ball. He threw directly into a disguised zone coverage leading to an interception and fumbled 3 times, one leading to a turnover. It remains mind boggling to me how predictable his cadence is…The first play from scrimmage in the second half resulted in a false start. The second resulted in a fumble…The injuries are reaching epidemic proportions. Hopefully the Ravens can get one of the two injured receivers (Smith, Campanaro) back for the Browns game on October 11…The penalty called on Kyle Juszczyk for a late his was ridiculous. The one not called on the Steelers FB Will Johnson for his mugging of Kendrick Lewis, which enabled the Bell TD run was even more ridiculous.
THE MEGAN FOX
Given the dearth of receiving options available to Joe Flacco, particularly after the injuries of Smith and Campanaro coupled with the intense pressure applied by the Steelers front seven (5 sacks, 8 QB Hits) it was imperative that the Ravens run the ball effectively in order to have a fighting chance. And they did to the tune of 39 carries for 191 yards thanks in large part to the dominance of Marshal Yanda, the league’s best interior lineman. Pay the man!
(Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun)
