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3 Major Takeaways From Ravens Loss To Steelers

By Joe Schiller

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) shakes hands with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) shakes hands with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ravens are a year away

As heartbreaking as the loss to the Steelers was, there are still many positives that can be taken from the game. The Ravens definitely have the ability to be a contender in the AFC, but they are a year away.

The defense played fantastic for the majority of the season and some new stars emerged. Undrafted rookie Zachary Orr shined this season, making tons of tackles and covering well in the passing game.  Rookie cornerback Tavon Young stepped up in the Ravens secondary and made plays all season. At only 5’10”, Young was more than able to hold his own. In the end, one the biggest losses to the defense was Jimmy Smith. His inability to stay healthy hurt the Ravens down the playoff stretch. There just isn’t another cornerback on the roster that can cover like he does.

The offense had its moments, but is still too inconsistent. As previously mentioned, their inability to finish drives was frustrating. There are many games that could have been put away early, but because the Ravens couldn’t score, the opposing teams got back in the game. Justin Tucker bailed the offense out numerous times as he had a historic season. On the bright side, running backs Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon both had great seasons. They are two young backs that can help revive the Ravens ground game.

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