The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Baltimore and avenged an early season loss! Powered by another James Conner 100-Yard game and red zone efficiency the Steelers were able to take a firm grip of the division. The Steelers team who were routed by the Ravens in week four look long gone.
James Conner racked up his fourth straight 100-Yard game in a row. After being a non-factor in the first matchup he was a force in the first half and set the tone for the day. James Conner had 107 yards on 24 carries, his NFL-best fifth 100-Yard game. He adapted his running style and was able to bang or slash where needed. He also made a great catch for a TD.
Ben Roethlisberger had a workman like day. He threw two touchdown passes in the first half and protected the ball. He finished with 270 yards passing and probably one of his most important plays was taking a sack which all but killed the Ravens clock chances of pulling the comeback. Roethlisberger hit seven different receivers including a 51 yarder to Jesse James. He was injured on a scramble which setup the biggest play of the game, a Josh Dobbs 22-yard completion, converting a first down on a 2nd and 20, from the Steelers end zone. It was Dobbs first career completion and it was a big one!
The defense is beginning to gel and the differences in this game and the first meeting was staggering. The strategy was a bend but not break and the 3rd quarter touchdown surrendered was the result of referee interference more than bad defense. Joe Flacco was held to 154 yards fewer passing yards and they never found room to run in this meeting. The Ravens were obsessed with gimmick plays with Lamar Jackson and they never materialized. John Brown was never a factor in the game after torching the Steelers last time.
The pass rush didn’t yield many stats and finished with just two sacks, but they were all over Joe Flacco in the pass rush. It was a nice showing by the front seven. A Stephon Tuitt sack all but sealed the victory. Javon Hargrave and Dan McCullers had a nice showing clogging the running lanes and setting the point of attack.
The special teams were another mixed bag of strange. Ben Roethlisberger punted…not sure why, but he did and it didn’t work. Little Bos missed another field goal, which really gave the Ravens some momentum. On a bright note, Ryan Switzer had a solid day and put together a 31-yard return.
Mike Tomlin and crew put the Ravens on their heels all game. They kept the Ravens defense off balance and the offense had no big play potential.
The referees were absolutely horrible. They were again way to involved and made several critical calls and non-calls that could have affected the outcome of the game.
In the end the Steelers out played the Ravens and sit atop the tough North!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: James Conner again, he did a terrific job and set the offensive tone. Also Considered; Josh Dobbs were putting together one of the biggest pass plays of the season. Jesse James for catching the longest pass of his career and Bud Dupree who was all over the Ravens backfield.
Where I watched the game: Back at the house after a boxing match. Had to ice the shoulder down. No beer again and there won’t be until after my fight. It was me and my girls, KGB and Little Miss Tailgate and we had Sausage and Peppers which inadvertently has become a Ravens-Steelers staple.
My Stat of the week: 10-0-1 is the Steelers record in the last 11 road games. That is a great job by the Steelers coaches and how you win the division.
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers drew the short straw playing a tough Carolina team on a short week after battling the Ravens. The NFL Schedule is usually merciless to the Steelers and this combination might be the toughest.
This week’s Jersey: Antonio Brown, #84 Away Jersey! This is my first away jersey appearance of the season.