The Baltimore Ravens had so many chances to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they came up short. There were plenty of plays and performances to point to when looking for reasons why the Ravens lost. Who were the biggest duds?
3. The Baltimore Ravens offensive tackles let them down against the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens tackle situation was questionable heading into their game with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and we had a bad feeling that may be what ended up sinking the team. Other factors added to it, but it is hard not to think that this was one of the biggest deciding factors.
Ronnie Stanley returned from injury for this game. So far, he has two starts this season, and he has not looked great. He gave up a sack to Jonathan Greenard in week one, and he allowed nine pressures in his return performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alex Highsmith beat him consistently.
Highsmith looked like he was at his peak performance, while Stanley looked like he was shaking off some rust. Stanley was supposed to be the side that was holding things down. The other side was known to be an issue with T.J. Watt.
No matter who was over there, it would be an issue. Still, this was extrapolated by the fact that Patrick Mekari started just a week after he had to start on the left side. Then, he left the game after 47 snaps, and Daniel Faalele finished things up.
Faalele played just 22 snaps, but it was clear once he came in that the Ravens' ability to move the football was gone.
The hope now is that Stanley gets better with more time and that he stays healthy. If Morgan Moses can get healthy it would be huge, but the Ravens have to figure things out at right tackle quickly because that was an issue.