[News] Game Recap: Ravens 23, Steelers 20 (OT)

[baltimore1975]

I love our new corner davis, he should be our new 3rd and put arrington at 4th corner.

Be careful for what you ask for. I remember I was saying the same thing about #38 Melvin towards the end of the year last year. He hasn't been the same since he gave up the gaming winning TD to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. BUT Davis did make a couple of nice plays and I'm still asking the question "Where did he come from all of a sudden?".

[baltimore1975]

If this game was against anyone else, I would dwell on all the things we still did bad. But since the win was over the Stealers, I'm gonna shut up and just enjoy it.

I'm not lol. Our QB situation is very questionable going forward. There were so many ways in the 4th quarter that it was proven that the offensive staff does not have confidence in Flacco. We had enough time before regulation to take a shot at the endzone to win the game and we opted to run the ball and depend on our "clutch" kicker to send the game in overtime even though we have a $20M/year QB. Flacco is a long way from the guy who checked out of a run play on 3rd and 1 to throw a pass to Boldin in the Super Bowl. Only a QB with sky high confidence would do that. He is a QB with shaky confidence these days.

[budman]

Be careful for what you ask for. I remember I was saying the same thing about #38 Melvin towards the end of the year last year. He hasn't been the same since he gave up the gaming winning TD to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. BUT Davis did make a couple of nice plays and I'm still asking the question "Where did he come from all of a sudden?".

Davis came from Miami. He was out because he had surgery on I think his ACL or MCL.

[ravensfan1986]

Every big turnaround has to start somewhere. I think this will be that start as we go on to make history.

[baltimore1975]

I love Will Hill. Such a steal for what we are paying him. May be the best safety in football.

I was with you until you said he was the "best" safety in football. I guess you forgot he had a P.I. on 3rd down that put the Raiders in perfect scoring position or last week when he didn't cover his zone and gave up a pass on 3rd and 15? Don't overreact on one game were he made a couple of good plays and forget about other games when he didn't 

Edited October 2, 2015 by baltimore1975

[trevorsteadman]

I'm not lol. Our QB situation is very questionable going forward. There were so many ways in the 4th quarter that it was proven that the offensive staff does not have confidence in Flacco. We had enough time before regulation to take a shot at the endzone to win the game and we opted to run the ball and depend on our "clutch" kicker to send the game in overtime even though we have a $20M/year QB. Flacco is a long way from the guy who checked out of a run play on 3rd and 1 to throw a pass to Boldin in the Super Bowl. Only a QB with sky high confidence would do that. He is a QB with shaky confidence these days.

You're kidding right? The Ravens had no confidence to throw the ball because Pittsburgh always blitzed the side closest to the hash mark and it was getting passed the offensive line every time. Flacco had no time to throw most of the time. Flacco was solid the entire game besides the one interception. 

[baltimore1975]

I'm not lol. Our QB situation is very questionable going forward. There were so many ways in the 4th quarter that it was proven that the offensive staff does not have confidence in Flacco. We had enough time before regulation to take a shot at the endzone to win the game and we opted to run the ball and depend on our "clutch" kicker to send the game in overtime even though we have a $20M/year QB. Flacco is a long way from the guy who checked out of a run play on 3rd and 1 to throw a pass to Boldin in the Super Bowl. Only a QB with sky high confidence would do that. He is a QB with shaky confidence these days.

I expected some "NEGS", but if you think he is earning his $20M so far this year you are in denial. The more negs I get only proves my point

[baltimore1975]

Davis came from Miami. He was out because he had surgery on I think his ACL or MCL.

Thanks Budman. Hopefully he can sure up our secondary.

[baltimore1975]

You're kidding right? The Ravens had no confidence to throw the ball because Pittsburgh always blitzed the side closest to the hash mark and it was getting passed the offensive line every time. Flacco had no time to throw most of the time. Flacco was solid the entire game besides the one interception. 

I guess the one fumble wasn't a mistake? Or taking a sack on 4th down when you are down by 3 with less than 3 minutes left in the game wasn't a mistake also?

[baltimore1975]

I was with you until you said he was the "best" safety in football. I guess you forgot he had a P.I. on 3rd down that put the Raiders in perfect scoring position or last week when he didn't cover his zone and gave up a pass on 3rd and 15? Don't overreact on one game were he made a couple of good plays and forget about other games when he didn't 

Thanks for the NEG. Sorry I didn't agree with you that Will Hill isn't the best safety in the NFL.

[trevorsteadman]

I guess the one fumble wasn't a mistake? Or taking a sack on 4th down when you are down by 3 with less than 3 minutes left in the game wasn't a mistake also?

All turnovers are a mistake. But at some point you have to realize it isn't the quarterback's fault for everything on the offense. The interception was a result of the scheme Pittsburgh ran and they disguised it well. The fumble was Flacco for not tucking it away and 9/10 times that fumble would not have been recovered, that play by Cockrell was just phenomenal instinct and a great play. To say Flacco is our weakness is way off, for him to stay poised in the pocket and help us move the ball and to move the chains with his top receiver and top tight end out of the game is amazing. Trestman called a great game all around. Flacco is the strong part of our offense, he is moving the chains with no huge threat weapon like most teams do and he helped win the game without Steve Smith on the field against a very talented Steelers team. Also what was he supposed to do on 4th down and no one is open? After the first interception was returned how many yards, why risk a pick six? 

[baltimore1975]

All turnovers are a mistake. But at some point you have to realize it isn't the quarterback's fault for everything on the offense. The interception was a result of the scheme Pittsburgh ran and they disguised it well. The fumble was Flacco for not tucking it away and 9/10 times that fumble would not have been recovered, that play by Cockrell was just phenomenal instinct and a great play. To say Flacco is our weakness is way off, for him to stay poised in the pocket and help us move the ball and to move the chains with his top receiver and top tight end out of the game is amazing. Trestman called a great game all around. Flacco is the strong part of our offense, he is moving the chains with no huge threat weapon like most teams do and he helped win the game without Steve Smith on the field against a very talented Steelers team. Also what was he supposed to do on 4th down and no one is open? After the first interception was returned how many yards, why risk a pick six? 

When you are making 20M a year it is your fault when offense is mediocre and I'm sorry when the game is on the line and you are losing with less than 3 minutes left you don't take a sack on 4th down. The way the NFL is these days anything can happen...defensive holding, pass interference, a pass completion...you don't take the sack on 4th down when you are losing and it could possibly be the last time you have the ball for the game.

[trevorsteadman]

When you are making 20M a year it is your fault when offense is mediocre and I'm sorry when the game is on the line and you are losing with less than 3 minutes left you don't take a sack on 4th down. The way the NFL is these days anything can happen...defensive holding, pass interference, a pass completion...you don't take the sack on 4th down when you are losing and it could possibly be the last time you have the ball for the game.

Over half of the league's quarterbacks are getting paid over 15 million now. Flacco is not overpaid and it is not his fault the offense is not top 5 in the league. Quarterback isn't the only player on the offensive side of the ball. If the offensive line doesn't hold he has no time to throw. If receivers don't get separation it becomes incomplete. If he knew he could throw it he would he is being paid 20 million a year to play the game, after the last interception was returned 30+ yards another easily could have been taken to the house.

[purpledown]

sign Tucker to an extension and Yanda and Upshaw.

[PersianRaven]

I know it is not just me, but I am sure there are lots of fellow Ravens fans who have more confidence in Tuck than our offense to seal the game! I was not even nervous when he stepped onto the field for that 52 yarder. Even if he had missed, I will never be mad at him because he has been there for us. Thank you Justin Tucker.

[NCMan]

After you get that first win it is easier. Hopefully Smith Sr. isn't hurt and can play against Cleveland and luckily we get an extra couple days for him to recover. Same with Campanaro. Besides the interception, Flacco played smart. Young guys stepped it up. And Will Davis made two huge plays I saw last night, he looked phenomenal why did the Dolphins give him up? Definitely should be getting some snaps at the #2 corner position. Ravens should trade Webb and a 5th round pick for Jeffery since the Bears want to rebuild. Probably won't happen but you know every fan on here wants to say it.

I guess you missed Flaccos fumble? He looked like a third grade pee wee player running on that play. He looks terrible and has no confidence when running, which he is absolutely scared to do. You never know what you're going to get w/him, but he is not anywhere near a top tier NFL QB. Surely not worth the crazy money he gets. And to say he played smart? Scared, maybe. 

[RavensFanMania]

I was with you until you said he was the "best" safety in football. I guess you forgot he had a P.I. on 3rd down that put the Raiders in perfect scoring position or last week when he didn't cover his zone and gave up a pass on 3rd and 15? Don't overreact on one game were he made a couple of good plays and forget about other games when he didn't

It was a holding call at the end of the game that was questionable. No I don't think he is the best in the league either but he is an excellent safety. All you need to do is lol at his PFF numbers.

[Black&purple#55]

Will Davis looking good!!!

[NCMan]

Great effort! Great Job! I see you Steve with that block for Campanaro. I see you Campanaro whit that touchdown play! Get well soon both of you. Max Williams and Boyle moved the chains. Aiken, you had your flashes, reminded me of Jacoby Jones after he catches and runs. Rick Wagner, what a tackle to save that pick 6. Dumervil! Forsett said it to the world that to him Dumervil is the defense veteran leader at this point with Suggs out. Don't even forget about Justin Forsett and the blocks provided by the offensive line. Tucker classic game sealing filed goal. Webb looked good. DARYL I SEE YOU BOI. YANDA NO MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID. Z' Smith nice back to back plays. Jimmy Nice shutdown on Antonio Brown. Will Hill keep it going with Lewis. It was a hard grinded game.

Not sure, but I think it was Hurst that made that tackle. Either way, it was a good one. He could have just given up like most OL do on plays like that.

Edited October 2, 2015 by NCMan

[OMoney86]

All these people complaining about Flacco, I guess the receivers threw the balls to themselves. Flacco is not overpaid. Does anyone remember the Kyle Bowler days.

[eek]

why no mention of smiths back to back sacks. that was impressive. babin looked good too drawing double teams everytime he was on the field

[KidNme]

This was a big shot in the arm for our team. You could see it in their faces. This could propel us into more confident playing. (I hope)

As far as Joe being "Elite", just stop it, it isn't funny any more!

Joe isn't Elite, he's serviceable. I've heard that our receivers aren't getting open then I see joe throw it into double coverage then see the replay and 2 other guys had about 8' of space once they made their cuts. THAT"S wide OPEN in the NFL!

If you consistently dare to throw it to a covered receiver that has a DB on his back, why can't you hit a man at his cut. A WR can't stay open all night, there's a moment where you have to hit your man in stride, at the cut and I haven't seen that all year.

I'm not hating on Joe, I just think too many give him props where it's a little unrealistic. Elite isn't throwing it out of bounds when you're trying to run time off the clock. Elits isn't snapping the ball against the Raiders with 15 seconds on the play clock, when you're trying to run the clock out. Last night, the 1st IT, I'll give him that one, that was just a really cool defensive scheme. The fumble on the other hand, Come on Man! That's one you throw away.

Now, our D was definitely on point. You could tell there was pride on the line and it looked like everyone was determined to work together. A great feeling to go into this short break before playing Cleveland here. I am so nervous about this next game though! We CAN"T lose to the Brownies! Talk about pride!

[devilsadvocate1]

Let's put Flacco in proper perspective.

1) He is a very good starting QB; the best we have ever had.

2) He is tough and there for us every week.

3) Both 1 and 2 mean that we do not have to chase a QB in the draft, that kills many other teams. It is a great luxury.

4) He is inconsistent. We get mediocre and we get great. That is just Joe. But that means that the rest of the team must be good for us to win consistently.

5) He is not elite, not on a par with Rodgers, Brady, Peyton. I have watched those three surgically rip apart their opponents, all with replacement receivers.

I love Joe and am happy to have him, but let's be honest.

[KidNme]

A good point another poster made,

Steve Smith was blocking 10-20yds down field on running plays. I never see our guys block effectively down field more than 5yds, then they kinda give up, I guess thinking the play is over. Man, we need more moxy like that! You stay with your man until the whistle sounds! If they would have done that consistently, Forsett would have had a lot more yards.

This is football 101 and the reason I get ticked off when I watch our games sometimes. Fundamentals. I did see more determination but it's still not where we need to be. It's going to be a rough season but if we can pull out a couple more wins like last night, we may have the confidence to make a run at some point. I'm not buying my playoff tickets just yet but there's always hope with our team cause you just never know who you're going to get one week to the next but again, that's Ravens Football. I rarely have much of a voice left after games like this!

It's also possible that a Ravens game may be the last thing I see in this world as I have a stroke! :-)

[Drew P]

Flacco stunk. It had zero to do with garbage WR play.

[trevorsteadman]

Let's put Flacco in proper perspective. 1) He is a very good starting QB; the best we have ever had. 2) He is tough and there for us every week. 3) Both 1 and 2 mean that we do not have to chase a QB in the draft, that kills many other teams. It is a great luxury. 4) He is inconsistent. We get mediocre and we get great. That is just Joe. But that means that the rest of the team must be good for us to win consistently. 5) He is not elite, not on a par with Rodgers, Brady, Peyton. I have watched those three surgically rip apart their opponents, all with replacement receivers. I love Joe and am happy to have him, but let's be honest.

I think he would play a lot better with better weapons. Peyton Manning has had some of the best receivers and O-line his entire career. Tom Brady is another story, but Peyton Manning has never struggled to have weapons. Also Green Bay has a great offensive line and great weapons, enough that Matt Flynn took them to the play offs. I think Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league but that is because of a great offensive line and he does have weapons. Tom Brady somehow makes no name players studs though... I think that has to do with the high percentage short throws the offense is based around. The offensive line was terrible in pass protection last night not picking up on the same Pittsburgh blitzes over and over. Flacco has off games he is elite more than he is not though. He has had a lack of weapons here in Baltimore. 36 year old Steve Smith is his best weapon he has had in his career, while the rest of the division has Green, Brown, and Gordon. 

[callahan09]

Flacco had a very up-and-down game. Some truly great throws, a lot of smart plays, and there were a few dropped passes from his scrub receivers as well. There were also a few bad plays, especially the fumble. But really both turnovers were more about bad luck and great defensive play than they were about Flacco's decision-making. The INT was definitely a result of a tricky defensive play that's designed to fool the QB. The fumble is 90% of the time going to go out of bounds, it was amazing that the defender was able to recover it with feet in-bounds. The 4th down sack was primarily an issue of nobody being open AT ALL, what good is throwing the ball away? Throwing an INT? Throwing and not getting the first down? You need the damn first down, so you just trust your O line and wait for a man to come open. Roethlisberger has been doing that his entire career, hold the ball long enough and someone will eventually come open. That's what Joe needed, the only positive result on that play was to hold the ball until someone comes open, and nobody ever came open and then the O line gave way to the sack, it's not that big of a deal! So like I said, ups and downs, a lot of bad luck. The O line absolutely sucked protecting him this game, and he was down to 3 WRs, two undrafted and one rookie 6th rounder, and 2 rookie TEs, for his ENTIRE RECEIVING CORPS. And he was still delivering strikes when we needed them most, getting hit as he threw, and getting us in position to win this game despite some of those strikes not being caught by his underwhelming cast of receivers. You can criticize Joe, he isn't perfect, but I get so sick of people expecting and demanding utter perfection when his surrounding situation is arguably the worst in the entire NFL between his receiving corps and pass protection, and a lot of his mistakes are a function of that situation, great defensive play, and bad luck. I mean, look at Vick, he threw a few shoulda-been-INTs last night, but our defenders didn't complete the catch on any of them. It seems like every time Flacco throws a pass that COULD be intercepted, it IS intercepted. For some reason I get the sense that every defender magically grows great hands and footwork and ball-hawking skills when they're playing against him.

[ncraven44]

lets get him some receivers. Maybe we can give frisco a 6th round draft choice and get Boldin back.

[cbrook1862]

Despite Tucker basically winning the game for us, the fact that Joe got him into field goal range twice in clutch situations with Steve only having 3 catches, and all in the first half, and Campanro leaving in the 4th quatrt who seem to be our best wr that night cannot be ignored.

[BillyD]

Flacco stunk. It had zero to do with garbage WR play.

I disagree.  He was running for his life most of the game and no one was getting open.  A goo measure of how much pressure and blitzing a team is doing is how well you run the ball.  Pitt brought so much pressure on Joe and played such tight coverage that they over pursued on many occasions leading to the huge running lanes for Forsett.  They came with some pretty creative blitzes, as Pitt usually does, and our receivers just weren't getting open.  Simms called it on a couple plays during the CBS broadcast...the spacing was not good and the route running was not good.  The pick was a very good defensive call that was helped by the fact that they could gamble that SSS was going to get the ball in that situation.  The fumble was a combination of no one being open, a big time hustle play by the Pitt tackler, Joe not protecting the football in that situation, and a great heads up play by the Pitt player that made the recovery.  It was an ugly game on both sides of the field, and we luckily came away with the win.