Thank You From A Steeler's Fan!

[Pitts200]

The game today was an outright massacre and it wasn't even as close as the score showed. But something you guys don't know is that the Steelers had a secret plan. Tomlin knew going into this season that our kick return team needed some practice. So he decided that it was beneficial to let the Ravens score as many times as possible to let the kick return guys get some practice and that is the main reason for the lose and nothing else!

Ok now, all kidding aside. This butt whooping that you put on the Steelers was impressive but from a fans perspective, they are lucky to not have played some sub-par teams for the first 3 games and eek them all out and think the Steelers are actually a good 3-0 team. If anything, perhaps this will help them set the perspective and that there is a new standard being set in the AFCN.

From my view, here were the most telling storylines of this game.

1.) Steelers were outcoached and outexecuted on every single level, LeBeau got out-Lebeaued. And Cam wasn't afraid to make the big playcall today showing the ability for a quick strike offense.

2.) The turnovers didn't effect the outcome of the game at all. Those 7 turnovers as nice as it is to have that number didn't contribute to the win. You guys had the game well in hand prior to the rash of turnovers. Just so you know, I'm not taking anything away with this comment, just stating that other factors contributed much more heavily to your win.

3.) Your TEs proved that they are beasts, the play where Troy got burned into the corner definitely scared the Steelers defense and the possibility of the future.

4.) Ray Rice is like Fred Taylor in his prime and those type of backs always give Steelers fits. The small strong backs that run hard and cutback hard into the hole since the Steelers have such fast support, Rice finds that small gap in overpursuit.

5.) Flacco was efficient and made every throw count. His numbers don't look gaudy but that is because the game was out of hand.

6.) Both offensive lines held up better than though, obviously with the edge going to the Ravens and how they controlled the Steelers rush. But I attribute the lack of rush to Cams play calling and how he rolled Flacco in the pocket on times and kept the rush off balanced.

7.) I don't want to judge Evans harshly and didn't watch if he drew the safety a lot and that is why he was shut down. But it appears he will have a hard time this season with match-ups against elite corners. Perhaps you guys saw more closely than I did if he did his job as a somewhat decoy this game.

8.)You're defense looks great, Ngata & Suggs are beasts.


Ok, I actually could keep going about the Ravens but I need to get to work. So a few parting words.

In the long run, perhaps most Steeler fans will thank your Ravens just like I am if this is a wake-up call to the Steelers that nothing is going to be handed to them with this new aged Ravens team.

Don't let this win go to your head too much, you have an example by looking at some Steeler's fans when you think your team is the cats meow.

Good luck guys and see you in week 9.

[Alexir]

Tomlin needs to get control of that lockerroom. You don't run your mouths all off season and pre season about how this game isn't a rivalry or this player isnt this and blah blah blah.

Hopefully now when I turn on sportscenter we will get some respect and they will realize that Pittsburgh's defense is a lot older and it showed today!

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1315834518' post='787807']
Tomlin needs to get control of that lockerroom. You don't run your mouths all off season and pre season about how this game isn't a rivalry or this player isnt this and blah blah blah.

Hopefully now when I turn on sportscenter we will get some respect and they will realize that Pittsburgh's defense is a lot older and it showed today!
[/quote]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1315834518' post='787807']
Tomlin needs to get control of that lockerroom. You don't run your mouths all off season and pre season about how this game isn't a rivalry or this player isnt this and blah blah blah.

Hopefully now when I turn on sportscenter we will get some respect and they will realize that Pittsburgh's defense is a lot older and it showed today!
[/quote]

Seriously, you guys love that lack of respect card. Every single place "expert" and sources who talk sports had this game as almost even in terms of who would win. You guys had a lot of new parts that weren't really proven, I mean, shouldn't you have to expect to at least prove it in one regular season game before you get the respect of the best team in the league???

And seriously, who on the Steelers was really talking that much smack. Plenty of guys from the Steelers this week gave praise to the Ravens. And for them to say that when Ben is playing that they have a track record of winning against you guys isn't really smack talk. Also, a lot of their comments were to defend the comments Suggs made about the Steelers getting lucky in their wins. If you ask me, that is also smack talk... Wouldn't you agree?

[EdReedFTW]

No problem, I'm sure the Ravens will do their best to "help" you guys next time too.

[lowrider]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1315834762' post='787812']



Seriously, you guys love that lack of respect card. Every single place "expert" and sources who talk sports had this game as almost even in terms of who would win. You guys had a lot of new parts that weren't really proven, I mean, shouldn't you have to expect to at least prove it in one regular season game before you get the respect of the best team in the league???

And seriously, who on the Steelers was really talking that much smack. Plenty of guys from the Steelers this week gave praise to the Ravens. And for them to say that when Ben is playing that they have a track record of winning against you guys isn't really smack talk. Also, a lot of their comments were to defend the comments Suggs made about the Steelers getting lucky in their wins. If you ask me, that is also smack talk... Wouldn't you agree?
[/quote]

I would agree. I get tired of we don't get respected card. The only reason why the Ravens didn't get any respect is because the Ravens gave people 0 reason to respect us vs the Steelers. It would be a different if people were still against the ravens after this win. But overall, when people talk about great organizations, the ravens are often in the discussion

[berad]

You'd think the Packers beating them would humble them?

[Pitts200]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1315837030' post='787860']
You'd think the Packers beating them would humble them?
[/quote]

Don't forget as a football team that you want to have some swagger but obviously it was a lesson learned. And that happens sometimes when a team beats the other somewhat consistently which is what happened in this series. Now if they continue to keep this same attitude then some major adjustments need to be made in the locker room.

[berad]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1315837287' post='787867']

Don't forget as a football team that you want to have some swagger but obviously it was a lesson learned. And that happens sometimes when a team beats the other somewhat consistently which is what happened in this series. Now if they continue to keep this same attitude then some major adjustments need to be made in the locker room.
[/quote]

Swagger and arrogance are different. It's arrogance when you proclaim to the media, among other things, that [i]'this isn't a rivalry'[/i], [i]'they have to talk themselves up'[/i], and [i]'he needs to worry about us'[/i].

I'm glad the Ravens put the slam on them but, the game was less about how the Steelers felt and more about how they played.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1315838286' post='787897']

Swagger and arrogance are different. It's arrogance when you proclaim to the media, among other things, that [i]'this isn't a rivalry'[/i], [i]'they have to talk themselves up'[/i], and [i]'he needs to worry about us'[/i].

I'm glad the Ravens put the slam on them but, the game was less about how the Steelers felt and more about how they played.
[/quote]

I think the difference between swagger and arrogance is fan perspective. No one likes to hear another team boast about their abilities. Either way, that is a moot point, the Steelers got their asses handed to them. I feel this win was much bigger for the Ravens as a mental perspective than it would have been for the Steelers if they won.

[jdynamite]

Plenty of good points made throughout these posts.
- when listening to different analysts or talking to co-workers the issue that always bothered me when discussing Steelers vs Ravens games is that steelers are always picked as overwhelming favorites.
When a majority of games come down to the ravens making a huge error ( Penalty, or call from refs ) to turn the game in the steelers favor. It's never been like the steelers just out right dominate us or anything, sure they make plays to win, bout often times it's some bonehead mistake by the ravens to swing the momentum.

People always forget plays that lead to various losses such as ( S.Holmes "td catch" in which the ball never crossed the goalline ) or ( last yr the phantom block in the back on the Webb punt return that would have gave us the momentum back ).

[Alexir]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1315834762' post='787812']



Seriously, you guys love that lack of respect card. Every single place "expert" and sources who talk sports had this game as almost even in terms of who would win. You guys had a lot of new parts that weren't really proven, I mean, shouldn't you have to expect to at least prove it in one regular season game before you get the respect of the best team in the league???

And seriously, who on the Steelers was really talking that much smack. Plenty of guys from the Steelers this week gave praise to the Ravens. And for them to say that when Ben is playing that they have a track record of winning against you guys isn't really smack talk. Also, a lot of their comments were to defend the comments Suggs made about the Steelers getting lucky in their wins. If you ask me, that is also smack talk... Wouldn't you agree?
[/quote]

Harrison, Clark, Hampton, Woodley. Which is funny since 3 out of 4 of those guys didn't do squat. And no, I wouldn't agree about suggs. It is luck, we have been winning and tied up in every game we played against the steelers going into the 4th in the last 2 years.

Don't come here acting like we are going to cry for your team, they ran their mouths about our guys and their own guys (Harrison on Big Ben) when they should of been trying to prevent yet another super bowl hangover.

[jdynamite]

One more point. Its not to make excuses but often times when I talk to people with other teams, they say well we would won if......

This week Saints fans ( I'm from Louisiana ) were chanting how Payton made the wrong call etc on goalline play. I said they still woulda needed a 2 pt conversion to TIE.. then go to overtime lol.
Eagles fans say hey they played Green Bay close last yr in playoffs and added all these pieces

I say well thats silly because if that's the case every year my ravens lose close contest to steelers. In fact the steelers are the reason we haven't made it to 2 superbowls. ( really a pointless argument to make with the coulda shoulda , wouldas! )

[jdynamite]

One more point. Its not to make excuses but often times when I talk to people with other teams, they say well we would won if......

This week Saints fans ( I'm from Louisiana ) were chanting how Payton made the wrong call etc on goalline play. I said they still woulda needed a 2 pt conversion to TIE.. then go to overtime lol.
Eagles fans say hey they played Green Bay close last yr in playoffs and added all these pieces

I say well thats silly because if that's the case every year my ravens lose close contest to steelers. In fact the steelers are the reason we haven't made it to 2 superbowls. ( really a pointless argument to make with the coulda shoulda , wouldas! )

[jdynamite]

This "rivalry" is in many ways similar to ( Colts vs Patriots ) for a number of years. Where Peyton Manning could get leads, win regular season games, then almost every year in the playoffs or in the regular season game that may decide which team would have the better playoff seeding. Manning and colts would just screw it up and blow it against the pats and Brady.
Manning heard the same critcism flacco has gotten.
I guess the only difference the League is not going to change pass rules or interference rules to affect the game. ( because basically the way Ty law and pats cb manhandled the colts WRs is why we have all these new rules for passing )

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1315840183' post='787964']

Harrison, Clark, Hampton, Woodley. Which is funny since 3 out of 4 of those guys didn't do squat. And no, I wouldn't agree about suggs. It is luck, we have been winning and tied up in every game we played against the steelers going into the 4th in the last 2 years.

Don't come here acting like we are going to cry for your team, they ran their mouths about our guys and their own guys (Harrison on Big Ben) when they should of been trying to prevent yet another super bowl hangover.
[/quote]

Do you actually read anything I say?? You just have an objective in your mind that you want to convey and act like I'm arguing with you.

So I can say it was luck yesterday that every fumble went right into the Ravens hands even though more than 50% of fumbles are typically recovered by the offensive team? Of course I'm not going to say that, those turnovers were CREATED by the Ravens.

I enjoy golfing and am a low 80s golfer but insist that I can always beat my friend who is a mid to high 70s golfer. But always at the end of the round when I'm giving him my typical $10 because I lost I complain that he got lucky that my drive ended up behind that tree on a particular hole when his bounced into the fairway after bouncing off a tree. But as I get older I'm realizing that most of the time you create your own luck and the result is a benefit of your skill. And now I know that he doesn't get lucky, he was just better on that particular day.

So please, to blame the refs and lucky bounces for the Ravens past losses vs the Steelers is an immature battle.

Bask in the future and don't harp on the past.

Good win Ravens.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1315834762' post='787812']
I mean, shouldn't you have to expect to at least prove it in one regular season game before you get the respect of the best team in the league???
[/quote]

I think the Packers already have respect for us.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1315842851' post='788030']

I think the Packers already have respect for us.
[/quote]


Ah, I see what you mean after rereading how I typed that. I didn't mean the Steelers were the best team in the league, I meant the respect of being called the best team in the league.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1315843107' post='788039']


Ah, I see what you mean after rereading how I typed that. I didn't mean the Steelers were the best team in the league, I meant the respect of being called the best team in the league.
[/quote]


Just checkin' .... was on the Steelers forum, and wow. I'm glad the Steeler fans we have here are of a different breed.

[rlh445]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1315843237' post='788041']


Just checkin' .... was on the Steelers forum, and wow. I'm glad the Steeler fans we have here are of a different breed.
[/quote]

Which one? I went to Steeler Fever (I think) and it was all, 'This was their Superbowl, this was our week 1' and 'It would have been nice if the already hurt Harrison wasn't being held every play' and all the usual stuff.

[flynismo]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1315843347' post='788043']

Which one? I went to Steeler Fever (I think) and it was all, 'This was their Superbowl, this was our week 1' and 'It would have been nice if the already hurt Harrison wasn't being held every play' and all the usual stuff.
[/quote]

Yep, Steeler Fever. Bunch of tools

[1/28/01]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1315843674' post='788051']

Yep, Steeler Fever. Bunch of tools
[/quote]
Complete.....Im on there as 1/28/01 as well (member since 09 but something like 40 posts).  I congratulate them on their wins and go to talk when we win, but wow!!  It is a sad sight over there right now.  They are delusional in that "they didn't care", "it was our SB", "Pitt was still in preseason mode to see what they have" etc.  When we lose, I'll admit it and say why, but they are SAD AS HELL over there!

[UMDan]

I'll go the message boards of teams quite often before/after we play them, but I don't even bother with the Steelers. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of classy and intelligent Steelers fans (like many of the ones that post here) but most of the time it's making excuses and conitnually saying we're worthless, and I'm sure based on what many are saying it's no different. Regardless, I don't think the Ravens don't get respect - I think we're just not as big of a market. Look at the teams that get the most attention: Patriots, Steelers, Eagles, Redskins, Packers, Jets, Giants, Cowboys... all big market teams. It's harder for smaller markets (though we're more middle of the pack) to get attention and buzz. Yesterday we made moves toward creating some major buzz.

[The Burghman]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1315834518' post='787807']
[quote]
Tomlin needs to get control of that lockerroom. You don't run your mouths all off season and pre season about how this game isn't a rivalry or this player isnt this and blah blah blah.[/quote]

Hopefully now when I turn on sportscenter we will get some respect and they will realize that Pittsburgh's defense is a lot older and it showed today!
[/quote]Oh please, and the ravens are such a diciplined bunch.

[The Burghman]

[quote name='UMDan' timestamp='1315845813' post='788109']
I'll go the message boards of teams quite often before/after we play them, but I don't even bother with the Steelers. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of classy and intelligent Steelers fans (like many of the ones that post here) but most of the time it's making excuses and conitnually saying we're worthless, and I'm sure based on what many are saying it's no different. Regardless, I don't think the Ravens don't get respect - I think we're just not as big of a market. Look at the teams that get the most attention: Patriots, Steelers, Eagles, Redskins, Packers, Jets, Giants, Cowboys... all big market teams. It's harder for smaller markets (though we're more middle of the pack) to get attention and buzz. Yesterday we made moves toward creating some major buzz.
[/quote]It will all be forgotten after week 9.[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[1/28/01]

[quote name='The Burghman' timestamp='1315850277' post='788226']
It will all be forgotten after week 9.[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]
[/quote]
I appreciate positivity in your team, but I'd say its a little soon

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='The Burghman' timestamp='1315850277' post='788226']
It will all be forgotten after week 9.[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]
[/quote]

I hope this statement does not mean you think you will roll us in week 9. Merely that this was one game and the one in week 9 is going to count for just as much.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='The Burghman' timestamp='1315850151' post='788224']
Oh please, and the ravens are such a diciplined bunch.
[/quote]

This season it would definitely appear to be a true statement.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1315839573' post='787944']

I think the difference between swagger and arrogance is fan perspective. No one likes to hear another team boast about their abilities. Either way, that is a moot point, the Steelers got their asses handed to them. I feel this win was much bigger for the Ravens as a mental perspective than it would have been for the Steelers if they won.
[/quote]

Swagger is Ray saying "buckle your chin straps" and us playing you within one score, even if we lose. Arrogance is saying "not in this lifetime" and "this isn't a rivalry" even though it's been a nip and tuck battle in the majority of the recent games. You say they had a right to say things because you've won the majority of the games, well, then you can't fault Suggs because he always has a great game against you guys. I guess he was entitled to talk some smack too.

I think you guys are in trouble really. It is one thing for Joe to pick apart your secondary, we all know it is sub par. It is another for your pass rush to be a non-factor, your #1 defensive guy to get beat and your famous run D to be smashed. Your guys ARE old, not just in age, but in ability and it showed. And to think you've just shelled out all that money on those long term contracts. Oh my. My biggest surprise (pleasant though) was Wallace, Brown and Co. They got what we were giving them underneath, but very little YAC.

Bottom line is this, what I tried to tell my Steeler fan BF before the game (you know, to somewhat prepare him for the beat down to come), our off season moves were to improve our team to beat the Steelers. We saw where we got beat there and set about to fix it. Now, of course those things will help us perform better against other teams as well, but you can look at what we did and know that we were built to beat the Steelers. And it worked. Gotta love Ozzie.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1315850788' post='788242']

Swagger is Ray saying "buckle your chin straps" and us playing you within one score, even if we lose. Arrogance is saying "not in this lifetime" and "this isn't a rivalry" even though it's been a nip and tuck battle in the majority of the recent games. You say they had a right to say things because you've won the majority of the games, well, then you can't fault Suggs because he always has a great game against you guys. I guess he was entitled to talk some smack too.

I think you guys are in trouble really. It is one thing for Joe to pick apart your secondary, we all know it is sub par. It is another for your pass rush to be a non-factor, your #1 defensive guy to get beat and your famous run D to be smashed. Your guys ARE old, not just in age, but in ability and it showed. And to think you've just shelled out all that money on those long term contracts. Oh my. My biggest surprise (pleasant though) was Wallace, Brown and Co. They got what we were giving them underneath, but very little YAC.

Bottom line is this, what I tried to tell my Steeler fan BF before the game (you know, to somewhat prepare him for the beat down to come), our off season moves were to improve our team to beat the Steelers. We saw where we got beat there and set about to fix it. Now, of course those things will help us perform better against other teams as well, but you can look at what we did and know that we were built to beat the Steelers. And it worked. Gotta love Ozzie.
[/quote]
Very well said!!!!

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='The Burghman' timestamp='1315850151' post='788224']
Oh please, and the ravens are such a diciplined bunch.
[/quote]

Actually, since Harbaugh took over, the Ravens have shown a lot of discipline. Check out how much our penalties have reduce the last 2 years.