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Baltimore Ravens: What we learned from Steelers/Patriots game

By Richard Bradshaw

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass under pressure from Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass under pressure from Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 16: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens reacts on the sidelines after a play in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 16: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens reacts on the sidelines after a play in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

What does this mean for the Ravens?

With the Baltimore Ravens rolling red-hot right now, there’s few teams in the NFL, let alone the AFC, that look primed to shock the world the way Baltimore could. Even if the Ravens squeak into the post-season as the sixth seed, no one in the AFC will be looking past Baltimore. And with more than enough good reason.

Similarly to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens have a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot from time-to-time. But, when push comes to shove this team always finds a way to stack up against top-tier competition. How quickly everyone forgets how close the Ravens were to taking down the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.

For what it’s worth, that is something to be proud of. Unfortunately, Baltimore dropped both those games, and no matter how close it was, a loss remains a loss. There are no moral victories in the NFL.

As far as the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are concerned, the Baltimore Ravens don’t have to worry nearly as much as they would’ve had to in years past. The truth is that New England and Pittsburgh are somewhat washed up. Are they contenders? Sure, but not the way that we’re used to seeing. It should give the Ravens confidence, and give the Patriots and Steelers uncertainty moving forward.

Next. Opinion: The Baltimore Ravens have the best run game in the NFL. dark

While a New England win would’ve given Baltimore an edge in the AFC North race, Pittsburgh still has to take on the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals. It won’t be any easier for the Ravens, however, as they must still face the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns. The AFC North crown will come down to the wire, but Baltimore should be very optimistic about their chances for a playoff run after what we saw in the Patriots/Steelers game.

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