[News] The Breakdown: Eisenberg's Five Thoughts vs. Steelers

[BR News]

In a rough season, at least the Ravens gave the Steelers a firm kick to the gut.

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[reed20fence]

To channel my inner Brian Billick here... "I've got an article here [http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/12/07/nfl-week-13-steelers-colts-antonio-brown-deangelo-williams] that says the Steelers are the most dangerous offense in football... that may be true... BUT NOT TODAY."

Edited December 28, 2015 by reed20fence

[stixfix69]

Typical Ravens-Steelers game, decided by 7 points or less, with only one blow out over the last 8 years....

[shiri2]

the way we played today is how we usually play, minus all the penalties. We need to get back to Raven football, and we'll be ok. Oh, and get our starters back on the field next year.

[Run Pass Pass Punt]

Made my season. Is that 4 out of the last 5 against Pit now?

[salamander]

I watch games from home and I was so proud to hear the M&T Ravens fans so enthusiastic, loud and clear throughout the game. I was afraid of having to tolerate the sound of a Steeler fan invasion through the TV. The Ravens played with heart but they were also cheered on by the loud, loyal Baltimore fans who defended the bank from a hostile takeover. Thanks to all of you boisterous fans for cheering our team on vehemently and pumping up our players to get this very glorious victory against the rival Steelers.

Edited December 28, 2015 by salamander

[Purple Hazard]

You know with all the injuries and all the bad luck we had this season, we still played all out today. Proud of the team. We played with heart and great effort today and you could see the chip on the soulder of every player. I think we have grown a lot this season and you can tell by the play of our young guys. Nicely done. About Mallett: You can see how much more talent he has than the other two... He can make plays when you need them most and he has an very good arm, need to keep him.

[ellicottraven]

Nobody gave the Ravens a chance during pre-game including the author of this article. He was hoping we played well enough to avoid being blown out by the Steelers. How quickly one adapts in the real world is amazing to me! Go Ravens!

[Purple Dawg 96]

Ryan Mallet for President! Joe would have choked on half them plays and blamed it on the O line saying "I need more time"! SWEEEEEEEEEEP!

[thecommish]

1. Rothlisberger's desire to be the superstar sinks pittsburgh once again.He continues to force the ball and continues try to hold the ball too long (trying to get on ESPN) and continues to cost his team.I am glad that his ego got the better of him vs us once again.2. Loved Trestmans game plan with a brand new QB. We ran the ball and out physicaled their front 7 and played Raven football. loved it and it was great to see that back. 3. Cant say enough about the game that Jimmy played today- he looked like his old self and it was encouraging to see him play at a high level again.... good stuff. 4. Game ball goes to Ryan Mallet. He looked good and poised and confident and did a remarkable job vs a tough defense on short time of preparation for this game. GAME BALL 5. WE SWEPT THE SQEELERS!

[thecommish]

Thats 5 out of the last 6 vs the Sqeelers!

[bioLarzen]

My takes:

 

1.) This win will surely push us down the draft order, almost surely out of the top 5 - but that's a deal any Ravens fan will take

This was the only game in the second half of our schedule where getting the W easily trumped any orther considerations. It seemed just about impossible - but, as many people said: never undertestimate a rivalry. I didn't think we could win this game, I'm glad to be proven wrong.

 

2.) This was only one game - but Mallett was mighty convincing.

Fopr th first time in a very long while I felt like we wouldn't have to give up our hopes if Flacco went down again next season (hopefully never gonna happen). We all knew if Tyrod or Schaub had to take over, it would probably be going south from there. We never had a chance to see Tyrod in meaningful action, but we saw Schaub, and he sadly didn't "disappoint". If today was in any way indicative of what we can expect of Mallett, it's sure reassuring.

 

3.) You gotta feel for Clausen a little...

He was better than anticipated by most of us - including me. If Ozzie didn't pick up Mallett, Clausen would probably have a job for next season kind of secured now in Baltimore. But Mallett was a different level.

 

4.) Buck Allen looks more and more legit.

For me he's the #1 positive surprise of the season. I didn't expect much of him based on the pre-season, but he keeps proving me wrong. And I don't mind the least. If he can have a full season behind Forsett next season, he can be even better when he finally takes over the leading role in the backfield.

 

5.) Man, you kinda wish the other 3 W's didn't happen...

Just how great it would be if we finished 2-14, only beating the Steelers this season - twice? Of course I'm kidding (though I wouldn't mind that the least - just imagine: sweeping the Steelers, keeping them out of the playoffs AND the top pick...) - sweeping the steelers is the same amount of fun, regardless of the circumstances and any other implications

 

Bonus take: the rivalry has just gotten some boost.

Many think the Ravens-steelers rivalry has lost (quite) some of heat with so many of those who made it what it's become (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, JJ, Ngata, Mason, Boldin, Polamalu, Ward etc.), now out of the story,and Suggs out temporarily, And I kind of concur. But sweeping them when we are otherwise so low, and potentionally even knocking them out of the playoffs - that's just the perfect fuel.

 

Bonus-bonus take: Trestman

I think Trestman has been doing a terrific job most of the season - but you can only do so much when your tools start disappearing from the table... Still, with the 4th QB - two of them having mere weeks to even get vaguely familiar with the system, language, playbook, teammates etc. - he can stay productive. I hope this down season (for the whole team, not him) will keep him out of the limelight when the other organisations start looking for new HC's - I guess it will be fun to watch what his O can do when not decimated... For me, Tretman has absolutely proved himself as a legit OC.

[bioLarzen]

Nobody gave the Ravens a chance during pre-game including the author of this article. He was hoping we played well enough to avoid being blown out by the Steelers. How quickly one adapts in the real world is amazing to me! Go Ravens!

 

Well - to be fair, we were indeed the heavy underdogs this time...

 

All the sweeter now, isn't it?

[EliteRavens]

This is great... I wonder what the excuse is now

[RavenSwag]

I'm sure all of the Steelers fans that I work with will be calling out tomorrow. Thank you Ravens!!!

[bioLarzen]

Oh, and one more thing: it's going under the radar: congrats to Matthews for his fisrst Ravens-TD! It was a beauty.

[Purple Dawg 96]

Watching the game over here in Cleveland Ohio surrounded by Browns and squeelers at the sports bar "ROCKIN" Ravens head to toe was very "FULFILLING" knuckled up as usual! E40 "Choices" NOPE YUP!

[GangofRavens]

We don't need someone like Mallet to backup Joe. We need someone like Mallet to supplant him.

[Barry S]

Ryan Mallet for President! Joe would have choked on half them plays and blamed it on the O line saying "I need more time"! SWEEEEEEEEEEP!

 

Yeah and no back foot throws, that throw to the back of the endzone for the first score was right where it was suppose to be, Joe would have thrown a floater that would have been intercepted or fell incomplete.

[Flockster]

Wasn't Mallett in constant contact with Schaub. Am I wrong? Wasn't that Schaub coaching him. They were both with Texans.This was run and shoot. Quick passes over the middle opening run lanes. Occasional deep ball. I think Schaub was telling Mallett how to read the defense. Trestman called the plays. Keep Schaub coaching. This was beautiful.

Edited December 28, 2015 by Flockster

[Bohica5]

Going to Sleep well tonite for the first time this football season.........

[terpmaniac]

Mallet looked awfully good. A big shock. Buck Allen and Terrence West both have some play making skills. Its gonna be good to see the competition for Running back next year between Forsett, Taliferro, Allen and West and abundance of riches. Steelers just seemed out of it, waiting for the Ravens to implode. No passion. No fire. Not sure what happend. They needed this game, we didnt!

[JetLife94]

Funny reading comments. Not just on this post alone, but social media, and other outlets as a whole. Are there really that many fair weather fans out there? Really to replace mallett with flacco? Unless there jokes, then I can see. But it's only one game. He's gonna be a back up. He's not replacing flacco. Every fan should know flacco is our guy! He's already on a freaking exercise bike!!!

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

I just want to say, except for another week of a couple of game killing dumb mistakes, we actually battled enough to earn some of my respect today. You haven't got it all, so enjoy this one, I want to see more focus, less mistakes,good form and fundamental football,and you will win more. It was thoroughly enjoyable putting the dagger to the squeelers!

[DBsRAVENS]

Funny reading comments. Not just on this post alone, but social media, and other outlets as a whole. Are there really that many fair weather fans out there? Really to replace mallett with flacco? Unless there jokes, then I can see. But it's only one game. He's gonna be a back up. He's not replacing flacco. Every fan should know flacco is our guy! He's already on a freakin exercise bike!!!

See if you can get him to read defenses and throw WRs open after he's finished on the freakin exercise bike.

[jravens13]

Kamar Aiken IS our starting WR, and Butler needs more opportunities moving forward. I love the way these guys work to get open and make plays. We are only missing a Deep Threat WR. Perriman? Talk up Mallett all you want, but he had open WR's to work with, a solid running game, time to throw, and an excellent defensive performance behind him. I thought Mallett showed off his arm talent and made good decisions protecting the football, but his mobility and awareness in the pocket make him a liability when he faces pressure. He took a few hits and sacks that Flacco aviods, but overall he obviously brings more to the table than Schaub and Clausen.

[DBsRAVENS]

I watch games from home and I was so proud to hear the M&T Ravens fans so enthusiastic, loud and clear throughout the game. I was afraid of having to tolerate the sound of a Steeler fan invasion through the TV. The Ravens played with heart but they were also cheered on by the loud, loyal Baltimore fans who defended the bank from a hostile takeover. Thanks to all of you boisterous fans for cheering our team on vehemently and pumping up our players to get this very glorious victory against the rival Steelers.

I too thank all the Raven fans who held down the Bank with there presence. And I thank the team for rewarding those in attendance with a victory. Play Like A Raven!

[BigUgly]

What a great Christmas gift...this was all I wanted. Totally worth dropping 5 spots in the draft to knock the Stillers out of the playoffs and watch their fans slink out of M&T. Nice job, coaches and players! Been knocking Pees all season for the secondary play, and today saw the corners playing press half the snaps, and look what happened!

[crazyboutravens]

I have not been too upbeat over the past month or so with our sloppy play and blow out losses, but

I was truly impressed with Ryan Mallett. He threw the ball quickly with lots of steam on the ball.

He played a great game. Congrats Ryan//

[stixfix69]

So...Our rivalry game got flexed out, so the world can watch the Vikes lay a beat down on the Giants...bah ha ha ha.....