STEELERS 101

Over 24 hours have passed since the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped their week nine meeting with the Baltimore Ravens and there is a lot to assess in that loss. While the Steelers dropped a golden opportunity to get a full game up on the Ravens in the AFC North division, the truth is there is still a lot of football let to be played.

Lack Of Turnovers – While the four straight wins proved the Steelers could capitalize on the weaker teams it certainly hid a lot of the deficiencies. One of those problems that were hidden in the wins was the lack of coming up with a big turnover. This is something that the Steelers did much of in the past, especially last year when they were the top team in that area. When the team needed a play no one made them, case and point was in that 92 yards game winning drive. 

Lack of the big play -  Along with no big interceptions or fumbles, the Steelers defense was unable to get the big play when the game was on the line. The usual suspect Troy Polamalu was stuck shadowing Ray Rice and the tight end, which eliminated him from that possibility. While James Harrison made a big play earlier in the fourth quarter when the Steelers needed a play, but during that final drive the defense didn't step up and get a key sack or force a big play. 

Play Calling -  The offensive play calling was ineffective and at times not very good unlike against the New England Patriots. They weren't prepared to deal with what the Ravens would do and it cost them. Ben Roethlisberger wasn't sharp despite the 230 yards as he had an interception which was similar to one that occurred a few weeks ago. Suggs read the play jumped the route as he seemed to know the Roethlisberger would go to that direction. 

Defensive Adjustments – The Ravens used quick drops to aid Joe Flacco and the Steelers simply didn't adapt to that game plan. They also didn't adjust to what Flacco was doing as he used those same quick drops on the game winning drive. The Steelers secondary played perhaps their worst game of the year against the Ravens passing attack. 

 

Tags: Football, NFL, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Steelers

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