NFL Week 4: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Recap

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Recap

In what felt like a must-win game for the Steelers early on this season, Pittsburgh would come up short losing at home to the Baltimore Ravens 26-14. The game started fast for Baltimore before a small comeback by the Steelers.

The second half belonged to the Ravens as Pittsburgh was shut out after halftime. In TSJ’s Sunday Night Football recap, we take a look at how this divisional rivalry played out.

1st Quarter

Baltimore started the game off on offense, and this unit did not disappoint. The Ravens would score on the opening drive, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication Joe Flacco hit John Brown for a 33-yard touchdown.

2nd Quarter

Although the Steelers would start the quarter at Baltimore’s 20-yard line, they would have to settle for a field goal. Kicker Chris Boswell would knock a 34-yard field goal through the uprights setting the score at 14-3.

Baltimore would immediately respond hitting John Brown deep downfield for a 71-yard gain. Just as this game was looking out of hand, the Steelers defense forces Alex Collins to fumble at the one-yard line giving them the ball back. Pittsburgh’s offense looked promising out of the gate but ultimately stalled in the red zone again.

Chris Boswell would come on once again nailing a 39-yard field goal to make the score 14-6. Pittsburgh’s defense would come up with a stop giving them the ball back with 4:48 left in the half. The Steelers would stay hot on offense going 75 yards ultimately ending with a TD pass to Antonio Brown. Pittsburgh would tack on a two-point conversion to knot the game at 14-14.

Ben Roethlisberger was on fire this drive going 4-5 for 75 yards and a 26-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion. Baltimore did little on the following drive only gaining 22 yards forcing them to punt. Pittsburgh was happy to kneel on the ball and go into the half tied at 14-14.

3rd Quarter

Pittsburgh opened the half on offense, but would quickly go three and out giving the ball back to Baltimore. The Ravens would move the ball downfield but would end up stalling and punting back to Pittsburgh.

Following another Pittsburgh punt, the Ravens would drive all the way down to the Steelers’ 29-yard line. Kicker Justin Tucker would knock his 47-yard attempt through giving the Ravens a 17-14 lead. The Steelers would continue to struggle on offense going three and out once again after another miscommunication between Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger.

Although the two had connected earlier in the game for a touchdown, Ben and AB have been off all season missing countless times. The quarter would end with Baltimore driving at the Steelers’ 43-yard line.

4th Quarter

The Ravens would start the quarter gambling converting on a 4th and 1 at the Steelers’ 43 to keep their drive going. Baltimore would come to a halt three plays later resulting in another Justin Tucker field goal, making the score 20-14.

After another unsuccessful drive by the Steelers, Baltimore would score again. The Ravens drove down the field for 82 yards culminating with another Justin Tucker field goal giving them a 23-14 lead. This drive also took six minutes and forty seconds off the clock leaving Pittsburgh only 3:37 left. Baltimore’s defense would come up strong intercepting Ben Roethlisberger and returning it to the Steelers’ 27 yard line.

Baltimore would settle for another field goal making the score 26-14 with 1:56 left. Pittsburgh’s offense would fail again going three and out, then failing to convert on fourth down letting Baltimore run the clock out. The Steelers offense was the weak link tonight, getting shut out in the second half.

Fantasy Implications

Steelers

Outside of the second quarter, Pittsburgh’s offense was nonexistent. Antonio Brown was the Steelers’ only skill player with over ten fantasy points ending the night with 62 yards and a touchdown. Ben Roethlisberger had a hot streak but flamed out late ending with 14 fantasy points, 274 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

James Conner was also a non-factor ending the night with four fantasy points 44 yards on 12 touches. Conner’s impact has decreased every game this season making him an RB2 at best going forward.

Ravens

Joe Flacco had a solid night, coming away with 22 fantasy points on 363 yards and two touchdowns. The big winner of the night was wide receiver John Brown who totaled 116 yards and a touchdown.

Brown ended the night with only three catches but amassed 17 fantasy points for the game. Baltimore’s running backs split the carries, and neither saw the end zone. Both Collins and Allen ended with under four points making them flex options going forward.

Final Observations

Pittsburgh Steelers

After a terrible start, it seemed like Pittsburgh had all the momentum going into halftime. When the teams came out in the second half, it was clear Baltimore was on a different level. Pittsburgh’s offense was outclassed gaining only three first downs in the final two quarters. The Steelers defense struggled early, but they made plays late making Baltimore settle for four field goals in the second half.

This defensive unit continues to struggle with miscommunication and positioning making them very susceptible to big plays. Pittsburgh now at 1-2-1 will prepare to take on Atlanta at home, which should be another tough test for this below average defense.

Baltimore Ravens

Apart from a three drive stretch in the first half, Baltimore’s defense dominated Pittsburgh’s offense. The Ravens held the Steelers to 293 total yards of offense, only giving up 47 in the second half.

Baltimore truly outclassed the Steelers tonight. However, their offense did struggle near the red zone. The Ravens had eight possessions in Pittsburgh territory but only managed two touchdowns on the night.

Any time you come away with a divisional win, you should be excited, but Baltimore definitely could have blown the doors off of this one. Baltimore, now with a 3-1 record, will head to Cleveland next Sunday for another divisional matchup that could potentially give them a firm grasp of the AFC North.

Photo Credit

Featured Image courtesy of duong thuy

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