It has been the theme all season, too many mistakes doom the Steelers in a very winnable game. The Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens for the first time in five meetings. The all too familiar script that was written all season and the game summed up exactly why this team is headed for its’ first losing season in nearly 20 years. The Ravens made the plays, the Steelers did not.
In his first matchup v. the Ravens, Kenny Pickett suffered what looked like a possible concussion, and ignominious start against a team he will likely battle for years to come. Mitch Trubisky the early season starter jumped right in and led the Steelers to a touchdown on his first drive. That would be the extent of his heroics however, the wheels came off the bus after that as he turned the ball over three times on the Ravens side of the field. Trubisky finished with 276 Yards passing but he looked rusty at best or indecisive at worst. It was a golden opportunity for him, and he came up short with three costly turnovers.
The rejuvenated running game took a step back this week. The five-game streak of 100+ yards came to a crashing end. The Steelers finished with just 65 yards on the ground with Najee Harris leading the team with a paltry 33 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line never got the lanes open to move and the pass protection was mediocre. Mason Cole and Kevin Dotson had a breakdown on the protection scheme, and Cole missed both blitzers on a pivotal play that sent Pickett to the blue medical tent. Dan Moore Jr. had another holding call which was waived off. It was a tough week for an offensive line that seemed to be improving.
The passing game was on the move and all over the Ravens secondary. George Pickens and Diontae Johnson dominated Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters and demonstrated the Ravens Achilles heel. The Steelers outgained the Ravens, had more first downs and fewer penalties but had so many costly errors that doomed this game and has doomed the entire season.
The defense held the Ravens to just 16 points and on the surface that would seem like a winning effort. But again, as per the season script they just plain ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. T.J. Watt had a respectable stat line, but he is clearly hurting and not the same player from the first game of the season. He missed several big plays to snuff out the Ravens. When the opposing team just absolutely runs the ball down your throat, it is on everyone, the defensive line had no answers. The Ravens final scoring drive consisted of 13 plays and 57 yards eating up close to eight minutes of clock. With a third string Quarterback, they took very few chances, and the Steelers still could not stop them. When your defensive backs lead the team in tackles, you know you have a problem.
The special teams are the longest running joke in Steelers history now. After a good week, once again they were a huge factor in the loss. Chris Boswell, returning from injury had a field goal blocked. Pressley Harvin who looked like the greatest punter in team history last week, “booted” a 17-yard punt that set the Ravens up for their only touchdown of the day. The return game produced next to nothing and throw in a holding penalty of course this time on James Pierre and you have the story of the season as well.
The Steelers simply do not make enough plays to outrun their litany of mistakes. This was a statement game, and it was easily winnable. What is most frustrating is the Ravens almost looked overmatched at times and somehow, they make enough plays to win and the Steelers do not.
The Coaching staff again failed to make any adjustments to thwart the Ravens victory. Now the Steelers must win out to salvage a winning record. Something that is possible but seems very unlikely.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: George Pickens, he talked big last week and had a sideline tirade, he backed it up this week. While he didn’t lead the team in catches, he clearly is a big play threat that Trubisky knew how to use. Honorable Mention: Diontae Johnson, who had a solid game.
Beer of the Game: We had a winter street fair in town this week. We purchased the local Beer at tent they had at the festival. Westhampton Beach Brewing company Jetty 4 Lager. Happy to give a local company a free plug https://www.whbbrewing.com/
“Steel the Snacks”: KGB was back at it, and we went with Crabcake Sliders with Honey Mustard and Chipolte Mayo. Awesome snacks by KGB who was in the middle of a project when she cooked them. It was the highlight of a dismal game.
My Stat of the week: The Ravens pummeled the Steelers on the ground with 215 yards including a six-yard run at the Baltimore 28 to seal the win. Everyone in the stadium knew what was coming, the Steelers did not have the answers to stop it.
My Thoughts on next week: This team honestly can beat anyone, but they make so many costly mistakes they can lose to anyone which is exactly what has happened multiple times this season. It is hard to predict who will show up?
Jersey of the Week: L.C. Greenwood #68, 1933 Throwback Jersey Gold, it looks like a soccer jersey which I thought with the World Cup going on, would be cool. I love this jersey, but funny thing is people have NO idea this is a Steelers jersey.