10/20/2013 Versus Baltimore Ravens

I saw some defense today!  Okay, Flaco played pretty bad but I did see a more disciplined and determined pass rush against the Baltimore Ravens.  Polamalu again was very active and the corners kept receivers in front of themselves for the most part, today.  

I guess Todd Hailey got the message finally about making his play-calling less predictable.  He needs to keep adding "new wrinkles" to the game plan.  I still don't think Heath Miller is near 100% but I would rather have him on the field even with the one turnover near half-time that netted the Ravens a field goal. Antonio Brown continues to be a big play threat and his enthusiasm seems to motivate himself as well as his teammates. 

Le'Veon Belle  is really a good "tackle to tackle" runner.  He seems to be masterful a setting up his blocks and cuts with his "stutter step" followed by immediate acceleration.  I was also glad to see Felix Jones back into the rotation to relieve Belle and provide some additional quickness.  I know Jones was benched after a fumble in previous recent game, but he is just too productive not get on the field.  He is an excellent receiver and kick returner as well.

The defense also played much better getting pressure on Flaco even though it did not yield many sacks.  More importantly, the Steelers front seven really "stuffed" the Ravens running game as they seemed very determined in "shedding" blocks and getting penetration into the backfield.  

Injuries continue to plague the offensive line.  I believe Marcus Gilbert injured his right quad muscle.  I'm still thinking some of these injuries to our offensive linemen could be attributed to poor blocking technique.  You will often see our offensive line initiate good contact but are "too high" and lack leg drive.

Overall, the Steelers played better and won a close game against a decent team in the Ravens.  Let's face it, the Ravens are not the same team that won the Super Bowl last year but they still have some formidable play-makers on offense

S.C. STEELER !!!