Baltimore Ravens: 5 thoughts following the Week 4 loss

4. The defense played well enough

I and many others overhyped the Ravens defense through the first two games of the season, but they’re still a very talented unit. If it weren’t for injuries they’d be a top 10 maybe even five unit in the NFL. Without two of their best interior lineman the Ravens didn’t put together their best performance, but did enough to put the team in a position to win the game.

The Steelers are one of the most talented and most explosive offenses in the NFL. They’ve got a borderline Hall of Fame quarterback, and arguably the best running back and wide receiver in the league. Plus the offensive line is strong and well put together.

Le’Veon Bell had himself a day, but that’s what happens with Brandon Williams and Brent Urban are both out. What impressed me the most was the secondaries’ ability to shut down Antonio Brown. They held Brown to 34 yards on four catches and no touchdowns. Brown was so frustrated he even threw a gatorade cooler on the sidelines during the first half. In seven years against the Ravens he’s caught for over 100 yards just twice.

The Ravens defense put the offense in a position to win. Aside from the garbage touchdown at the end, this was a 19-9 game most of the second half. The defense made crucial stops but the offense wasn’t able to convert. It was either a three and out or a drive that barely made it 10 or 20 yards up the field. The defense played well enough given the circumstances, but it didn’t mean a damn thing since the offense wasn’t able to convert those stops into any points. It’s a narrative we’re going to see time and time again this season.