Ravens week four: Three takeaways from the game against Pittsburgh Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens lost a disappointing game to the Pittsburgh Steelers 26 to nine. Watching the game live, it looked like nobody on the Ravens wanted to be on the field.
1.) Alex Collins deserved to be a starter
Alex Collins was the lone bright spot in today’s defeat. He got the starting role today and I rated out of the gate with a 23 yard run. Yes Collins did fumble again, but after being benched, he had a 50 yard rush, the first for the Ravens since October 2014. Terrance West is nowhere to be found and Buck Allen has become a pass catching back.
2.) The loss of Joe Flacco during the preseason has shown
The past two weeks, Flacco has been arguably the worst quarterback in the league. After throwing for 28 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he threw for 235 yards and two more interceptions. Flacco has now thrown an interception for the past ten games straight. The offense sputtered most of the game and whenever they gained momentum, they turned it over. They’re first drive of the fourth quarter, down 19 to nine, it seemed like nobody wanted to be out there. Flacco threw mostly to just Buck Allen out of the backfield and didn’t try one pass over 20 yards. Down two scores with not much time, you’re supposed to throw and throw it deep. Instead they did their dip and dunk and for some insane reason, they ran the ball. It looks like Flacco just simply does not care anymore because of that lucrative contract after the Super Bowl.
3.) This defense needs to tighten up
Yes the defense did grab an interception,(which was debatable at best) and garnered one sack, but Ben Roethlisberger had all the time in the world in the pocket. Leveon Bell ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns, but Antonio Brown was completely shut down. Now that may sound good, but the middle of the field was wide open as always and Jesse James, and Juju Smith-Schuster had a day. The loss of Brandon Williams, who was at the game in a walking boot, has proven to be critical. Offenses can just run the ball down the Ravens’ threat and just throw it across the middle. With talks about this being a “legendary” defense, this group needs to play like they have never played before. Suggs, who has been the fave of this rivalry, was manhandled by Alejandro Villanueva all game long.
This team needs to improve on all sides of the ball if they want to even have a chance at the postseason. With a bunch of tough games coming up, this season could be as good as gone. Let’s hope we can get Penn State phenom Saquon Barkley.
