In a game that no one could have seen coming, the Steelers and Ravens had their usual knock down drag out fight, but sprinkled in was a whopping 55 points that in the end was pulled out by the good guys 31-24.
Things looked bleak for the black and gold, to the point where they trailed 21-7 at the half, and after kicking away on the first drive of the second half, the game changed when Ravens RB Ray Rice fumbled and the Steelers recovered at the Baltimore 23.
From there the Steelers controlled the game, they scored two plays later, and then two drives later after a pick by Ryan Clark scored on a pitch and catch from Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward to tie the game with 1:21 left in the third quarter.
After a Joe Flacco fumble on the next series, the Steelers took a 24-21 lead on a short Shaun Suisham field goal with 12:15 left. The Ravens finally got some offense going, and tied the game with 3:54 left after a long punt return put them in position to make it 24 all.
With the game on the line, Roethlisberger hit the biggest pass play of the year on 3rd-and-19 from the Steelers 38 with 2:07 left, throwing a 58-yard pass to Antonio Brown to put the Steelers at the Ravens four at the two-minute warning. “I saw the young fella just take off, so I’m just going to throw it up for you,” Roethlisberger said of his throw to Brown.
Five plays later with 1:33 left, Rashard Mendenhall pounded in from the two on third down to give the Steelers the 31-24 lead. The Ravens last chance was two incomplete passes, a sack by Ziggy Hood, and an incomplete pass for mouthy T.J. Houshmandzadeh on fourth down to wrap up yet another chapter in the Steelers beating the Ravens when it counts the most.
Roethlisberger outplayed Flacco, going 19-for-32 for 226 yards with two TD’s and no picks. “You know what, our offense went in there (at halftime) and said, `We played terrible, we gave them the ball in prime position too many times,’ ” Roethlisberger said. “We had to do something about it.”
The Steelers defense did its part, as they held the Ravens to 126 yards, while the Steelers after falling behind by two scores ended up gaining 263 yards. Flacco was 16 of 30 for 125 yards as the Ravens became the eighth team in NFL playoff history to fail to gain at least 100 yards in the first three quarters. All eight teams lost.
The Steelers, 9-0 against division teams in the playoffs, advance to their fifth AFC championship game in 10 seasons next Sunday—at New England if the Patriots beat the Jets on Sunday, in Pittsburgh if the Jets win. They will be play to reach the Super Bowl for third time in six seasons.
“What better way to put the Ravens out of the tournament,” wide receiver Hines Ward said. “They keep asking for us and we keep putting them out of the tournament. They’re going to be ticked about this for a long time.”
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George H
January 15, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Tremendous game, definitely one that will do down in as one of the best in this historic rivalry. Fact of the matter is Big Ben doesnt lose to the Ravens. Even when the score was 21-7, hope was never lost. The Ravens are nothing more than the Steelers little brother always trying to aggravate them but when push comes to shove, the older brother will always prevail.
The offensive line looked as expected form a line with their 3rd string players in, but they came through just enough to pick up the W.
Ben was typical Big Ben when we needed him the most… 7-0 against the Ravens in the last 7 games. He owns his rivals.
The defense came up big yet again and really had Flacco confused and under pressure all night.
I’ve been saying it for a few weeks now… our young receivers have stepped up big time in the absence of Holmes.
My last point… it was a very physical game and the better team won, however, Ive noticed the mentality of the two teams are very different. When the Steelers score you dont see them dancing like fools and having an orgasm on the ball like Rice did, instead you see Hines Ward smiling running off the field. Its a big mentality difference and until the ravens can mature, they will always come up on the short end of the game.
DrGeorge
January 15, 2011 at 10:54 pm
George H, you’re right on. But I’m not inclined to cheer very much. In reality, the Steelers tried to give this game away in the first half, and the Ravens turned around and gave it back to us in the second half. Mistakes and turnovers were very much in evidence, and some bonehead penalties were committed by both teams. This was not a well played game.
Moreover, we continue to be plagued with the same old problems: the rushing game was anemic, Arians ignored Redman in the red zone, Arians’ play calling on the goal line was inexplicable at times, and Ben took unnecessary sacks at several key points in the game. However, as you note above, Ben and his young receiving corps distinguished themselves ultimately, even though the offense continues to rely too much on Ben’s arm and heroics.
While the defense gave up 24 points, at least some of those scores are properly attributable to the offense and special teams units giving the Ravens superb field position. On balance, I thought the defense played much better than they had in recent games, which was encouraging. Keisel, Farrior, Hood, and Clark all stepped up their play for this game, and LeBeau’s change in his blitz packages left Flacco clearly confused.
Looking forward, just as I feared prior to the game, there were injuries in areas where the team is thin — O-line and CB. How serious those injuries are we won’t know until next week, I suppose. But it looks like we will be at less than full strength for our meeting with the Jets or Patriots next week (I’m picking the Pats). And the weather will probably be vile. That isn’t a promising scenario. But I do like the sheer guts and spirit on this team, even given all of our flaws and weaknesses. Somehow, some way, we may figure out a way to corral Brady and win at Foxboro next weekend. But realistically, that will take a much better game by the Steelers on both sides of the ball than we mustered today.
George H
January 16, 2011 at 12:42 am
You have to give it to the defense today… while the offense was putrid at times, the defense rarely let up. Clark played his best game of the season, and they only let off less than 150 yards. Rice was irrelevant and all of the Ravens receivers couldnt get separation. The biggest surprise is that Troy didnt play too well today. It was great to see the players you named above step up their game. Also Harrison was relentless all game as well.
No doubt there were bonehead penalties which ultimately cost us points on the scoreboard, however when your in a dogfight like the game we saw today, those penalties are unfortunately to be expected. I was just glad we didnt see too many roughing penalties that could of really affected the game. I wasnt a fan of Ben taking a shot at the knee and to no great surprise not seeing a flag thrown though.
We all have been wanting to see more Redman, but its not going to happen. My guess is that the Steelers want to give the touches to Mendy, they need another star on the team for fans to rally behind so on the goal line theres no doubt your gonna see mendy over Redman. Its unfortunate, but my guess is that the FO is still playing damage control over the Ben incident and they decided to try to make Mendy the new face. That or Arians knows hes on his way out and is just trying to boost his resume by padding his star players stats.
DrGeorge
January 16, 2011 at 3:22 pm
George H, you raise an interesting point with your last entry. Most people think a playoff victory has secured Arians’ job for 2011-12. With each subsequent win, his security grows. “How can you fire a winner?” they ask.
But take a look at what GBay did to Atlanta last night and consider what the Steelers could be with an OC that appreciated the virtues of a balanced attack. Look at how effective Rodgers is with the running attack he has behind him, or Jay Cutler with his. Play action means something for GBay and Chicago. It is an empty gesture for Arians’ offense.
You may be right about Arians padding his resume, but who wants him? I think we’re likely to be stuck with him for a while. Our only hope is that someone inside the Steelers organization does understand the value of a balanced attack and will make adjustments, with or without Arians’ consent. I see several new O-linemen and a power running back in Pgh’s future, via free agency if possible, or via the draft if necessary. (Of course, we’re talking offense here; the need for a quality DE, CB and Safety on Defense is a given.)
Of course, there is always the outside possibility that Arians himself will see the value of balancing his aerial circus with an armored division of power backs and pulling guards. The playoff winners provide the proof. But Bruce is a hard man to convince.
Curt
January 16, 2011 at 12:51 am
defense only gave up 17 points the other TD was a scoop and score. I can’t hang that one on the Defense.
mark
January 16, 2011 at 12:32 pm
So, anyone hear from our resident Raven fan Crowley yet? At about 8:30 p.m last night I heard a huge splatt, I think it was Crowley jumping off his roof!! HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAH.
DrGeorge
January 16, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Clever, Mark. I doubt that we’ll hear Crowley crowing any time soon on this web site. In truth, the Ravens played Santa Claus with a 21-7 lead, with Coaches Harbaugh and Cameron acting as busy elves with their play calling (see Gene Collier’s article on this in the Post-Gazette today for details). “Merry Christmas a bit late, Pittsburgh. Here’s a gift for you!” What a bone-headed way to squander a lead.
This morning, Ravens’ fans are the one’s eating crow, with a certain big-mouthed wide receiver in Baltimore getting a big heaping share. Call them dropped passes or bird droppings, they gave the game away. This one will stick in their craws for a long time.
The Tony
January 16, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Another classic match between these two bitter rivals. Yesterday the Steelers Defense put together one of their most impressive victories of the season. Starting with the front three, Keisel, Hampton, and Hood put applied the pressure and opened the holes allowing our linebackers to cause chaotic havoc. Ziggy Hood probably had his best game in a Steelers uniform on the biggest stage of his career thus far. At times in Hood’s young career, I became a bit skeptical if he was actually going to figure out Lebeau’s 3-4 defensive schemes, but throughout this season Hood has done a far more than adequate job replacing the injured Aaron Smith. The Steelers still are lacking depth on the line but with Hood’s presence and the return of Smith, we are not in too bad of shape.
The most impressive aspect of the defense was yet again the linebacking play. Woodley and Harrison was as a dynamic of a duo we have ever witnessed as Steelers fans yesterday. Harrison led the way with three huge sacks and Woodley tagging on another. Our linebacking crew applied constant pressure on a talented Ravens offensive line. This was where LeBeau was at his best. The entire game Joe Sacco looked confused and made poor decisions which inevitably cost them the game.
The defensive backs played a great game as well. Ryan Clark had his best game of the season creating two immensely important turnovers with his interception and forced fumble of Ray Rice, which whom hasn’t fumbled the entire year. Both turnovers led to Steelers touchdowns. When McFadden went out in the first half and William Gay had to step up, I was nervous because we all know what Gay is capable of letting opposing teams do. However, Gay stood in and delivered not allowing the big play. Ike Taylor was able to shutdown Boldin all game keeping him to only one catch. Probably most surprising was the lack of the big play from Troy Polamalu. I am not saying that Troy didn’t play well, because his presence alone on the field demands a great deal of attention. Troy missed two crucial tackles, which are typically routine for him. Maybe it was the lack of practice during the near two weeks, but I have to believe that next week, we will see Troy do what he does best.
I have to agree with Dr.George that the lack of depth in our defensive backfield is bleak at best. So when one back goes down, then the entire unit is going to hurt. This offseason we have to address the age and depth of our defense. Our first two rounds of the draft either have to be a cornerback first or an offensive lineman first. We know we are not going to spend the money in the free agent market to get a quality player, so we have to be smart in the draft.
Overall our Defense came to play yesterday and they proved why they are still top dogs over the Ravens.
The offense was almost as impressive as the defense yesterday putting up 31 points against the Ravens D. The past few weeks now our offense finally started to click and put points up on the board.
Ben Roethlisberger did it again. Ben made the big throws when we needed it the most. He led our team to redzone touchdowns, in which weeks prior we struggled. Ben was only limited to one turnover on a fumble in which he held the ball too long and foolishly cost us a touchdown. Going in to the half the Ravens led 21-7 with all the momentum. Ben came out for the second half and shined. Ben was able to call his own plays and run his lightning offense driving the Steelers to 24 points and a victory. Ben now has won his last seven meetings against the Ravens and proved why he is truly an elite quarterback.
The running game struggled against the Ravens, but was still able to find the endzone. I believe that some of the struggle of the running game came from the untimely manner to run the ball called by Bruce Arians. Late in the fourth quarter with a three point lead and time that we needed to kill, we had a three and out due to the typical play calling of Arians with a run, run, pass sequence of plays. We had to punt and give the Ravens very favorable field position and they were able to tie the game. I was displeased with the lack of involvement with both Moore and Russel. Those two backs are nice complimentary change of pace to Mendenhall, to which we need to utilize more frequently.
The offensive line played as expected allowing pressure on Ben and shortening the run game. It has been no secret that our line has been plagued with injuries throughout the entire year, and much like the defensive back field when one player goes down the entire unit struggles. I would love to be able to see what our offense can do with a fully competent line.
The receivers played great as well gaining separation from the defense and making timely conversions when we needed it. Hines Ward started the slugfest with his scuffle with Ed Reed, but was wrongfully penalized. Mike Wallace allowed Sanders and Brown to have big days with one on one coverage. (S)Antonio Brown came up with the biggest catch of his life on a 3rd and very long 19 with his huge reception giving the Steelers the go ahead lead and victory. All year I have been impressed with our youth at receiver and time again they continued to come up big. Finally Heath Miller was crucial with his blocking and his Touchdown which gave the Steelers all the momentum of the game.
This game lived up to the hype and the team that wanted it more prevailed as victorious. If the Steelers can continue this level of play, then make room for the Seventh Lombardi Trophy!
Lastly, J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!