Ravens report card: 12/10/2017
The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 38 to 39 in heartbreaking fashion. Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense mounted a comeback when down 14 to 0 but the defense let them down.
Quarterback: Joe Flacco had one real bad throw early in the game on the first drive that was picked off. Other than that Flacco played great. Flacco completed 20 out if 35 passes and had two touchdowns. Grade B
Running backs: Alex Collins went full beast mode and gashed the Steelers for 120 yards and a touchdown. Buck Allen had two good touchdowns in limited action. Danny Woodhead was also very effective. Grade A
Receivers: Mike Wallace the former Steeler came up big with 72 receiving yards. Chris Moore had three receptions including a huge touchdown but left injured. Jeremy Maclin made some plays but on the Ravens final drive he should have had a sideline catch. Maclin needs more awareness or the Ravens could have had a chance to kick a game winning field goal.
Offensive line: This unit played great against the Steelers strong line. The Ravens were able to protect Flacco and create holes for Collins. Only one sack allowed. Grade B+
Defensive line: While the Ravens had three sacks and limited the Ravens running game that is about all the positive that came from the defense. The defensive line fail to create pressure and allowed way too much time for the Steelers offensive to develop plays. Grade D
Linebackers: CJ Mosley was all over the fiekd with 14 tackles. This unit played well but was out in coverage most of the game. They need to help provide more of a pass rush. Coverage was shaky as well. Grade C
Secondary: So covering Antonio Brown is something Brandon Carr should never do. The Ravens allowed 500 plus passing yards and just about everyone got beat. Marlon Humphrey probably had the best game in the secondary. This unit minus Jimmy Smith was terrible. Coaching had to play into it as well. Grade F
Special teams: Sam Koch and Justin Tucker were perfect on the day as is usual. Michael Campanaro had a good 40 yard return as well. Grade A
Coaching staff: The Ravens seemed ready for this game. Dean Pees and the defensive coaching staff takes the blame for this game. It seemed like the Ravens played prevent defense in the second half. The Ravens simply did not have an answer for the Steelers offense and got out coached. Grade F
Overall: Heartbreaking loss, the Ravens offense showed up and the Ravens should have won. The Ravens secondary and pass rush went missing this game. Grade B
