The Bad:
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The Ravens had some offensive miscues in the first quarter of this game. Pass protection was a problem as predicted. Early in the game, Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards had an awkward hand off exchange that led to a near turnover. When the Ravens got there first trip to the red zone, Joe Flacco missed Lamar Jackson wide open in the end zone. Baltimore ended up with three points in a game where it felt like they needed touchdowns.
Flacco also missed Michael Crabtree, who was wide open for a touchdown in the red zone. The Ravens ended up with another field goal. In a game that made us wonder what happened to the Ravens great defense, it was hard not to wonder what happened to the great red zone offense Baltimore started the season with. The Ravens scored a touchdown on their first 13 trips to the red zone this season.
The Ravens were down 7-3 as the second quarter began. On a 3rd and 10 Flacco elected to throw a four yard pass. To be fair, Flacco had nothing down the field, but what is a short pass going to do in that situation? The defense got pushed around too much in this game. After only five rushes James Connor had 43 yards. The last time these teams played, Connor had only 19 yards. As the Steelers were driving in the second quarter, they converted on a 4th and one. The Ravens gave up an 11 yard run right after that. Pittsburgh didn’t hesitate on that fourth down. They knew they could get it. They knew they would get it. Pittsburgh marched down the field for a touchdown and the Ravens were in a 14-3 hole.