The Steelers took a beat down in Baltimore last night, basically getting whipped up by the Ravens on all facets of the game. With a chance to go 2-0 and put the Ravens on their backs in the AFC North, they played miserably in a 26-6 loss.
It was an overall terrible night for the dreadful offense. Ben Roethlisberger was off and his performance was uneven at best. He missed several critical throws and never seemed to find his rhythm. The Steelers actually moved the ball but made several critical mistakes, including Justin Brown and Heath Miller fumbling. The offensive line struggled in protection at times, with Elvis Dumerville punishing Marcus Gilbert.
The defense had a rough night as well. The secondary is struggling and continues to absorb critical penalties. They racked up five of the nine penalties all of which were awful and led to scoring. The linebackers had flashes but Flacco had all day in the pocket. There was no push at all and while he was unspectacular he made the plays. The Steelers front seven while better this week against the run, continues to get gashed.
The mainstream media is saying the defense is too old and slow. That is completely short sighted if you watch the film. For the first time since I can remember, the Steelers are struggling to tackle they had several opportunities last night but couldn’t make the plays. As for being to old, Ike Taylor and Troy are certainly long in the tooth but nine of the 11 starters are now under 30 years old. Brett Keisel is playing a valuable supporting role but the Steelers have limited his exposure. The issue is the tackling and the front three eating up blockers.
Special Teams played fairly well. The coverage units did okay against Jacoby Jones. Brad Wing had a good night for the most part and Suisham made the kicks he needed to. This has been the only consistent bright spot.
What is encouraging is that Le’Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton and Antonio Brown all continue to play at a high consistent level.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO
My “GAME BEER” goes to: I thought about not giving one out, because the game was that lousy. In the end it goes to Antonio Brown who proved not only is he an awesome receiver he is pretty damn tough. Le’Veon Bell looks fantastic in the early going.
Where I watched the game: Buckley’s Irish Pub in my home town, KGB and I met some friends, KGB Drank Sam Adams, Octoberfest, I had Guinness and we munched on boneless wings Asian style. The cook at Buckley’s Josh, is a Bengals fan but he sure can cook.
My Stat of the week: NINE POINTS in Six Quarters of football. You could have had the Steel Curtain and the ’85 Bears out there and you wouldn’t have won with that output.
My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers have nine days to fix their issues. They stay in prime time battling the Panthers. It is too close to call right now.