Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 3 Game Balls in gut wrenching loss to Steelers

By Steve Rudden

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs after a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle L.T. Walton (96) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs after a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle L.T. Walton (96) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens have been officially eliminated from Playoff contention.

In an entertaining Christmas Day Football game, the Baltimore Ravens lost in the last minute to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  With that loss, the Ravens won’t make the playoffs for the third time in four years.

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In the loss, the Ravens had a few players that deserved game balls.  The players that deserve game balls in the loss are:

Offensive Line:

The offensive line did a really good job keeping Joe upright, except for a few plays.  Besides that, Joe Flacco had time to get the ball out with time.

Flacco was very decisive under center.  The offensive line also gave Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon holes which helped the Ravens in the 3rd quarter.

Kenneth Dixon and Terrance West:

Kenneth Dixon and Terrance West had a very good game running the ball.  It’s good to see both of them playing well at the same time.  It would’ve been nice to see them be productive earlier in the season.

I wonder if the season would’ve been different if the Ravens had balance on offense instead of being a pass first team.

Dixon and West didn’t have over 100 yards rushing total, but they kept drives alive.  Those drives were important for the Ravens to keep them in the game and in it until the end.

Steve Smith Sr.:

If this was Steve Smith Sr’s last game in the NFL, it’s going to be a sad day for the league.  He put his heart and soul into each and every game he played.

Smith sparked the offense early on and had a critical touchdown reception to put the Ravens up early in the 2nd half.  All in all, he had seven receptions for 77 yards for the game.

Next: It's Time For The Real Baltimore Ravens to Stand Up

Now that the Ravens have been eliminated from playoff contention, I’m curious to see what happens during the offseason.  Is this the last season under John Harbaugh?  Does Dean Pees lose his job?

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