Very disappointing to lose to such a mediocre team and watch them puff out their chests like they accomplished something.
The ravens didn't do that much, the steelers just shot themselves in the foot repeatedly all night.
Ravens didn't run it that well. Flacco didn't have to make any hard throws. No pressure at all., blown coverages, and missed tackles gave the Ravens easy yards.
The raven defense didn't stop the steelers as much as the steelers stopped themselves. Dropped balls, penalties, missed blocks, not even trying to attack the middle.
When a team is beating themselves, get out of the way. Ravens just got out of the way.
Having said that, the Steelers beating themselves was the recurring theme of this season. They make way too many mistakes and for some reason, the steelers seem to only play hard for like 20 minutes per game.
Did this look like a playoff game? Did the steelers look like a team fighting for their lives against a hated rival? They did for about a 10 minute stretch when they got the fumble and the quick TD, then right back to comatose.
I didn't understand the offensive gameplan. I'm thinking that the last game with 6 TDs went to Haley's head and he expected easy plays. That's fine if you want to start out that way but why keep firing downfield when the Ravens were taking that away?
It looked like Arians called this game.
Where was the tempo? The Ravens are big and FAT on defense. You don't have to go no huddle but the plays seemed to be coming in so slow. The Steelers drained the clock themselves for most of the game.
The Refs - i hate bringing them up because it always seems like excuse making but the calls were very slanted. Offensive facemask on a stiff arm is rarely called. Brown got called. Offensive PI is rarely called. Bryant got called. They called the steelers for defensive PI and let contact slide for the Ravens. Apparently the ravens didn't hold all game either. The calls were not consistent.
It will be fun watching the Ravens get blown out by the Pats.
Season Thoughts
Jarvis Jones is completely useless. He looks like he weighs 200 lbs. If this ****** shows up next year at camp and he's not 230, they should trade him or cut him on the spot. I've read where he claims he can't play at a heavier weight. Guess what Jarvis, you are slow at a light weight. At least at a heavier weight you may be able to get some push.
Archer - this guy has to win the return jobs or he's a total waste. His problem is that despite his great speed, he doesn't make people miss. Antonio Brown makes people miss. They say you have to get him in space. **** that. Put me in open space an i'll gain you a few yards. I want a guy who makes yards without having to be in wide open space.
Mike Mitchell - dumb as a rock. Polamalu has been known to give up some plays because he is freelancing and trying to do other things. It was worth that trade off because for most of his career, he did deliver huge plays that were worth the occasional play he gave up. Mitchell seems to want to do the same but he never makes the big plays that warrant the chances. He's not smart enough to read what's happening.
Shamarko - He has to start next year. who cares if he makes mistakes. Mitchell makes mistakes every game. At least Shamarko might get better and i won't have to watch Shamarko flexing after every routine play he makes.
Cortez - i'd like to see him get a shot at Safety. I'm not sure he is athlete enough for CB, but he has good ball skills. Maybe he can be a ball hawk center fielder to pair with Shamarko's down in the box playmaker.
Worilds - If you can get him at a good price, bring him back. I'm not sure he'll get many offers after this poor season. If they can land a stud pass rusher in the draft, Worilds can be a good second rusher. So if you can get him for #2 money, do it.
Cam Thomas - here's a free coffee mug, now beat it scrub,
Heath - i think he's done as a #1 TE. He may have a few more years as a #2 blocking TE. They need to draft a TE.
Gilbert and Adams - Munchak is not a miracle worker. They need something better.
