Ravens studs and duds from season-ending loss to Steelers

3. The Ravens run defense

As well as Latavius Murray played in Week 18, Baltimore’s run defense may have done him one better.

Admittedly, the Steelers don’t have a great run offense, averaging just 94 rushing yards per game, but rookie Najee Harris has been known to obliterate defense from time to time.

In Week 17, Harris torched the Browns for 188 yards and one touchdown and was also somewhat involved in the passing game.

Come Week 18, Baltimore managed to almost completely shut Harris down. Pittsburgh’s leading back ended the game with 11 carries for 28 yards and four catches for 27 yards.

The Ravens’ defensive line deserves much of the credit along with linebackers Josh Bynes and Patrick Queen, who combined for 11 total tackles.

Yes, Queen missed a few open-field tackles that he’d like to have back, and he hasn’t yet turned into the franchise linebacker the Ravens wanted.

He’ll get there, Ravens fans. He’ll get there.

4. Justin Tucker, K, Ravens

No matter rain or shine, Justin Tucker doesn’t miss. He made both of his field-goal attempts on Sunday, including one 46-yarder to tie the game with a minute and change left in regulation.

The field conditions in Baltimore could have made any seasoned kicker slip up, but Tucker continues to be the shining light of consistency for this Ravens team.

We were all rooting for Tucker to win the game for the Ravens at the end of the fourth quarter. All Tyler Huntley needed to do was reach the field goal target line and Tucker would take care of the rest.

Tucker didn’t get his chance this time around, but Baltimore knows they can rely on his automatic leg for many seasons to come. Don’t ever retire, Tuck.