Ravens report card versus the Steelers: The defense and special teams
If you missed the report card on the offense here it is. The Baltimore Ravens only allowed 19 points in this game and one touchdown. The lack of causing three and outs and some penalties hurt them.
Defensive line: The defensive line played well but it was not good enough. The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to run the ball all season and struggled to protect Ben Roethlisberger. The defensive line only had three sacks and allowed 141 yards. The Steelers did do some wildcat that surprised the Ravens. Brandon Williams had his first career sack. Grade C+
Linebackers: Jameel McClain returned from his spinal injury and played very well, McClain was third on the team in tackles with six. Daryl Smith forced a fumble and had nine tackles he played outstanding. Terrell Suggs also had a good game with a sack and seven tackles. Elvis Dumervil struggled and caused way too many penalties. Grade B
The Secondary: The secondary played well only allowing 160 passing yards. The secondary needs to find a way to start causing turnovers. Matt Elam recovered a fumble but that was it. Grade B
Overall: Again the Ravens and Steelers both had long extended drives that took up time and ended in field goals. The clock moved rapidly in this game. The defense needed to cause some three and outs. Grade B
Special Teams: Jacoby Jones and Tandon Doss did fine returning kicks. Justin Tucker was three for three on field goals. Failed on side kick attempt really hurt the Ravens. Grade B+
Coaching Staff: The Ravens offense looked better in the first quarter but they need to go to the no huddle quicker. Flacco played well and threw the ball around to a lot of different targets. The on side kick attempt was a really bad call but other decisions were good. Penalties really hurt the Ravens. Grade C+
