This was the type of game that makes me hate to be a Ravens fan. 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.
At the end of the season the Ravens finish as a team that never lived up to their potential led by a quarterback who has played one good playoff game.
Hey RGB, when do I get my Double CrabCake Platter from G&M Restaurant?
So all you Harbaugh lovers that talked about his 3 straight years of Playoffs being so great, what would you take?
Harbaugh – 3 straight Playoffs
Billick – 2 of 3 Playoffs – 1 SUPER BOWL
I'll take Billick and the SUPER BOWL!
Quit giving Harbaugh carte blanche and start seeing him as nothing but Marty Schottenheimer Jr.
That monumental collapse was probably the biggest "team" collapse I've witnessed live.
Nobody gets a pass after that debacle.
The 3rd and long play was more than just the dagger for the Ravens. It was a symbolic play that showed the difference between the two teams. One team has a QB and a coaching staff that has the balls and wherewithal to call and execute such a play. Sadly for the Ravens, they don't have either.
You can start at the top and go down the list and assess blame. It's really that simple.
Hey Rico Suave, that coach you turned down has gone to the AFC Championship two years in a row. I know, I know, The Great Harbaugh has "three straight appearances" and says all the right things and makes up great cliches. He also has those coach friends that helped lead them to the 22nd ranked defense and the other one that continually rushed 3 when the team had a lead this year. How many leads did this team blow this year? Oh, and the 14 point lead they blew yesterday. Think Rex wanted to "teach his guy a lesson" and sit him for a series in a playoff game? Wake up Ravens fans, Harbaugh and company have shown you what they can do…playoff appearances. Enjoy!
22nd ranked offense….sorry.