Baltimore failed to get it done against the Steelers again, which I suppose is the story of their season. Here are my thoughts on the Ravens 31-24 loss to Pittsburgh.
Dirty Laundry – The flags were flying in Pittsburgh. Both the Ravens and the Steelers first touchdowns were set up by long pass interference calls. The teams combined for 106 penalty yards after the first quarter.
Momentum Shift – Baltimore took the crowd out at Heinz Field when Todd Heap scored the Ravens third touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Baltimore converted on a Mendenhall fumble in Pittsburgh territory forced by Dannell Ellerbe. But the Ravens lost their momentum on a third and long after Ray Rice fumbled in their deep in their own territory. Ryan Clark forced the fumble, Rice’s first of the season and 53 seconds later the Steelers cut Baltimore’s lead to seven points. The Steelers made Baltimore’s offense look like they were down by 100 on the next drive and Ray Rice didn’t even take the field. Then Flacco was intercepted by Ryan Clark on the Ravens first offensive play of their next drive, which let the Steelers tie the game on a Hines Ward TD reception. Flacco added insult to injury by fumbling his second snap on the next drive which gave the Steelers a 24-21 lead.
A chance – After an outstanding punt return by Lardarius Webb, the Ravens tied the game at 24 with a 24 yard field goal. The Ravens had two chances to score, Webb’s punt returns was called back after holding in Marcus Smith and Anquan Boldin dropped a catchable TD pass in the end zone on third down. Even after Mendenhall gave the Steelers a 31-24 lead the Ravens had 1:33 to work on offense. Baltimore went four and out.
Bright spots – Terrell Suggs has an absolutely terrific game. He was constantly in the back field, he continuously pressured Roethlisberger and sacked him three times. Josh Wilson also looked good, he had a couple of big tackles and played well down field in the Steelers receivers.
Good bye Cam – The Ravens offense didn’t do anything against the Steelers. Once again, Baltimore failed to use their numerous offensive weapons. Cam’s days in Baltimore are over.
The Steelers now await the winner of the Patriots vs Jets game, sunday at 4:30 on CBSn
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