A disappointing season comes to an end as the Steelers fell apart in Baltimore for their third straight loss. The Steelers offense was non-existent for the entire game and the defense was on the field too long and couldn’t find and answer for the Ravens run offense.
The “Duck” Hodges era is all but over after his third straight loss. He has completely looked overmatched in the last three weeks. Hodges finished Sunday’s matchup with an anemic 9-25 for 95 yards. The weather played a factor in the output, but Hodges didn’t have it. Like the previous two losses he lacked pocket awareness and couldn’t get his passes under control.
The offensive line and the receiving team didn’t help Hodges. The protection was lousy and has been for the last month. They also haven’t been able to push up front for the running game. James Washington looked like a breakout star, but he played inconsistent the last four weeks and had two key drops yesterday. JuJu Smith-Schuster completed a disappointing season and was a non-factor yesterday. Diontae Johnson led the team in yards and catches but also was inconsistent.
The running game had a little movement. Benny Snell did a solid job with 91 yards on the ground and scored the Steelers only touchdown. Kerrith Whyte, who was a nice find and Jaylen Samuels, who had some solid moments were non-existent in the running game.
The Ravens clearly had only one game plan in mind and the defense struggled to stop it. The front seven was gashed for over 200 yards on the ground and ran out of gas yesterday late in the game. Cam Heyward capped off the season with a very big game and he was a bright spot. Bud Dupree played well in what will most likely be his last game as a Steeler. Javon Hargrave and Mt. McCullers hung tough in the middle, but they didn’t have the answers to stop Baltimore.
The special teams were also lousy. What has happened to Jordan Berry? He absolutely fell apart the second half of the year. He was awful yesterday and dropped a punt that all but sealed the Steelers fate. The coverages were mediocre as well. Kerrith Whyte and Diontae Johnson both did well in the return game throughout the season. Chris Boswell looks like he is back on track.
The Steelers coaching was atrocious yesterday as well. The offensive game plan was terrible and poorly executed, the defensive game plan was completely disjointed. There was no reason the Ravens should have been able to run the ball at-will, the Steelers have plenty of run-stoppers. How they were not prepared for yesterdays game is incomprehensible.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Benny Snell Jr. who put in some hard work racking up 91 tough yards. Also Considered: Bud Dupree who finished with four tackles and a sack and Cam Heyward who chipped in with a sack and four tackles too.
Where I watched the game: At the house with the Tailgate Kids, KGB and some friends. KGB made Prime Rib Sliders on garlic rolls, with potatoes which were phenomenal, and the beer of choice was Sam Adams Winter Ale.
My Stat of the week: The Ravens pounded out 223 yards on the ground and pushed the Steelers around on the field. This is clearly something that needs to be addressed during the offseason.
My Thoughts on next week: It is going to be a VERY long offseason!
This week’s Jersey: Jack Lambert, #58, Home jersey, figured I would try and channel some defensive greatness. It didn’t happen!