Stillers - Ravens Post Game Thoughts

Whew!� Man, what a gut-wrencher that game was.� The Stillers certainly played an ugly football game Monday night, nipping the Ravens 20-19, with the Ravens running out of time and downs very close to FG range.�

A few good things came from this game, a gut-check win, and another test passed for Ben and Reed, etc.� But the Ravens again exposed the Stillers major weakness, which is getting pressure on the QB.� It seems if teams are willing to go max-protect against the Steelers Blitz, they will have all night long to throw the football.� I was reminded of the New England game earlier this year, especially in the 4^th quarter, and of course, last years Championship game.� In both those games, Brady could have pitched a tent back in the pocket and that was the major reason for both losses.�

The Ravens are, of course, a much lesser team, but by keeping Heap/Lewis/Taylor, etc back to block, they virtually eliminated the pass rush, allowing only 2 sacks all night, both of which were coverage sacks.� I�m not sure what can be done about this mid-season, but they at least better try some different designed blitzes or something to try and mix it up a little more.

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QB � Ben looked great on that first drive, and then hurt his knee and his mobility and technique suffered.� As with many games before, he had some sloppiness in the middle of the game, but then threw 2 clutch passes on the final drive to get down in FG range.� He probably could have driven in closer if he was allowed to pass on the final series.� 3^rd and 3 after 2 consecutive Bettis runs??.. Hmmmm.� In my book, that is one yard too far for Bettis, and a nice play-action pass to Miller or Ward was worth the risk of potentially stopping the clock and giving the Ravens more time, etc., especially after seeing the Raven�s goal line formation.

RB � Willie Parker quietly averaged 4.5 YPC, while the BUS pitched in late in the game with some nice runs.� This is a perfect role for the BUS, running the ball 8-12 times per game effectively, keeping him fresh. �Willie caught 2 more passes for 18 yards, which makes his average gain per catch a whopping 14.8 yards.� For this game, it appeared both passes to Parker were spontaneous, yet still had great results.� I wish, as always, that they tried to throw the ball to Parker 5-6 times per game.

WR/TE � Hines Ward had a Hines Ward night, with clutch catches, great blocks, and a highlight reel tip, catch, beheading, and smile for the Monday Night audience.� Randel El was quiet as usual, and has not had more than 3 catches in a game all year.� In my opinion, Cedric Wilson had made enough tough catches to warrant a #2 spot, and also has the speed to stretch the field.� I like El, but he�s short, slower than Wilson, and drops too many passes.� Wilson has shown he�s a gamer, making tough grabs on slants and over the middle.� Heath Miller had 2 TD grabs, but only 3 catches overall and was needed a little more in the 3^rd and 4^th quarter.

OL � Pretty good job run blocking, not so great job protecting Big Ben.�� Ben needed good protection after his knee was hurt, but only got it sporadically.� Definitely not as good a performance as the Cinci game.

DL � Good job against Lewis and Taylor, not so good job pressuring the QB.� The play of the game, however, was Keisel�s sack that kept the clock running and left a 4^th and 7 to end the game.�

LB � Again, decent against the run, but not their best effort otherwise.� Porter�s coverage against Heap was OK, but some of this was the Ravens inability to execute.� Porter was no match against Ogden, and the other LBs were unable to get to the QB agasint the Ravens� max-protect.

DB � Coverage was sloppy, even taking into account the lack of pressure on A. Wright.� Hope had a decent night, and Troy made some inspired hits as usual, but there were not as many coverage sacks as in Cinci, where Palmer also had time, but could not find anyone open.�� They only gave up a few big plays however, and continued the �bend and not break� strategy.

ST � Kickoffs were OK and Reed nailed the game winner -� again.� Punts were OK and that stupid snap error almost cost them the game�. I�m sure that won�t happen again!

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It�s a win, and hopefully the Stillers can figure out some different ways to get to the QB.� Ben is hurt, and Batch has moved up in case he cannot go against Green Bay.� They might be the best 1-6 team we will ever face.� We love the run, and they average 3.4 YPC against the run, so either Ben or Batch will most likely have to go to the air again.

Go Steelers!