Steelers/Ravens Post-Game Analysis:
As game time approached, I began to have an
unnerving suspicion. Not only had I gone 0-2 during the previous night�s games,
but, there was this rumor that Jerome Bettis had not been seen out during
pre-game stretches.
Once I got to the bar and joined the 40 (yup
I counted �em�with even more to follow) Steeler fans the rumor proved to be
true. The simultaneous groan from the packed house bar probably echoed those of
every home, bar and stadium back in Pittsburgh.
But, then something magical happened.
It started with Joey Porter, who on his way
to the quarterback found himself flying out of control in the air and landing
flat on his stomach. I didn�t think he�d get to Grbac in time to stop the deep
bomb that was about to be thrown. Then in a moment of incredible quickness,
Porter bounded on to his feet and smacked Grbac hard. But the ball was already
in the air. As the ball rose it mysteriously began to wobble and its speed and
altitude began to decrease. In the end the ball finished its journey 10 yds short
in the arms of Chad Scott.
The rout was on�.
A couple of key points about the game:
- Contrary to popular belief, the Steelers did not roll over and
play dead during the first few series of the quarter number 3. What
happened was this: The Ravens blitzed on every play. The key point in this
one is that the Ravens never blitz. Marvin Lewis hates the blitz.
What you saw was the last-ditch effort of a tiring Baltimore defense. It
took Mularkey half of a quarter to figure out that the Steelers needed to
begin the misdirection runs and screen passes that can counter a blitzing
defense.�
- I think it was an incredible piece of coaching on the part of Bill
Cowher to keep his boys concentrating on the game and not on the loss of
Jerome Bettis. But not in the way you think. He kept their attitude
focused on winning the game in workman like fashion, rather than winning
one for �The Bus.�
- I was amazed that the veteran, Super Bowl tested Ravens came out
as undisciplined as they did. A friend of mine at the bar speculated that
this was because the Ravens were frustrated due to being overmatched in
every faze of the game. I think he was right.
- Once again, Amos Zereorue showed why he will not be in a Steeler
uniform in a few years. You�ve got to think that there�s at least 29 other
teams checking to see when his contract is up.
- Stewart didn�t have big numbers, but with Troy Edwards returning
the kicks as well as he was, Stewart didn�t have too.
- One frustrating and concerning aspect of the game were the amount
of fumbles that occurred. This can either be attributed to the Ravens
desperately seeking a turnover or the Steelers inability to hold onto the
ball. I vote for the later. I mean Edwards on the end around run basically
dropped the ball. And he did again on a punt return. We all saw what
turnovers can do to you in the 4 pm game. So, from a fan to the Steelers:
Hold onto the damn ball!
- I hate Dan Dierdorf.
- Stewart played a very poised game. He was heckled often by the
blitzing Ravens defense during the third quarter, but he escaped and threw
the ball away. Back in 97-98, Stewart would have tried to force a throw.
- Another telling sign in this game was the second INT thrown by
Grbac. When looking at the replay he braced himself for Kendrell Bell�s
hit by tilting to his left. Thus the ball curved to the left and into the
arms of Brent Alexander.
- This game was remarkably like Cleveland in the 94 � 95 season
playoffs. The Steelers dominated in an highly emotional divisional game at
home against a bitter rival. The next game, the Steelers were heavily
favored against the upstart San Diego Chargers. The country was bracing
for an inevitable Steeler-49er Super Bowl. Defense vs. Offense. Strength
against Strength. Well, we all know how the Chargers crashed the party.
Don�t expect the Steelers to follow that pattern, but do expect a very
tight game. The spread is 8, but we won�t win by more than 4.
Check out my pre-game later in the week. I�ll
also include a more in-depth pre-game for the Ram/Eagle game in the article.
By
JB in the big Steel apple.