The previous six games between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers were decided by a total of 28 points. Today, the Ravens opened the 2011 season with a 28 point victory (35-7) over their divisional rivals. The last time Baltimore opened their season with a decisive victory over the Steelers was in 2000, when the Ravens won 16-0. We know how that year ended.

Had the Ravens lost today, I would have cautioned against from reading too much into it. I would have stated that all it really meant was that Baltimore would need to win in Pittsburgh later this year. Likewise, I don’t want to reach too far to the other side in proclaiming the victory as a statement of things to come. What we do know, is that the Ravens have defended their home field, and grabbed the 1 game division lead. Baltimore has reminded everyone in the league that they are a very capable team, and showed off their improved athleticism.

The Good:

1) Flacco’s first pass of the year was a 27 yard TD to Boldin down the sideline. That is how you start a season!
1a) Baltimore’s 4th year QB put 3 TD’s on the board, and got his first victory over a Roethlisberger led Steelers team.
1b) I asked a lot during the 2nd half of last year, and during the off-season where Boldin was last year after the bye; was great seeing him make an impact today. He finished with 4 catches for 76 yards, and that TD.

2) What set up Flacco’s initial TD, was a 36 yard explosion from Rice on the RB’s first carry of the year. Later, after being ruled down at the one, Rice would come back and get his first TD of the year to push the lead to 14-0. Baltimore moved the lead to 21-7, when Rice scored from 11 yards out on a pass from Flacco. Rice finished the day with 19 carries for 107 yards, and 4 catches for another 42 yards.

3) McKinnie eats up a lot of space, and gave Harrison problems all day. He was the one that opened up the whole for Rice on that initial carry.
3a) The Offensive Line is only going to get better as the year progresses, and they were better today than they were at any point last season.

4) Nice 37 yard return from Webb to start the game, bringing the ball to the 34. Webb would make another good play on 3rd and 1 from the Pittsburgh 29 on the last Steelers possession of the 1st half. O 2nd down and 7 in the 3rd, Webb drove through Ward to temporarily prevent the 1st.

5) Cary Williams showed up immediately, defending the pass on 3rd and 6th on the Steelers first possession.

6) Suggs got to Roethlisberger for his first sack, causing a fumble, recovered by Ngata. Suggs caused the 7th Pittsburgh turnover of the day with a beautiful strip in the 4th. He ended the game with another sack.
6a) Ngata demolished Mendenhall to start the 2nd half and recover his 2nd fumble. On the next Pittsburgh possession, Ngata would tip the ball that was intercepted by Lewis.

7) After the Ngata fumble recovery, Pitta had a 29 yard grab on a great crossing clear out. Pitta had another grab for 15 yards underneath. Showed better speed than I thought he had.
7a) Dickson had his first 34 yard reception wiped out by the McKinnie hold, but like Pitta made his presence felt. That TD grab to begin the 2nd half was sweet! Speed kills! Finished with 5 catches, for 59 yards.

8) On 2nd and goal, McPhee got his hands up to knock down the pass. He later recovered the Moore fumble.

9) Leach had a great block picking up the blitz towards the end of the first half.

10) The Ravens Coaching staff had a great day overall. They attacked Pittsburgh from the Opening whistle. I loved the call to sneak the 2 point conversion after the Dickson TD. I also liked the call to go for it on 4th and 1, when Rice was stopped. You forced Pittsburgh to make the play.

11) Making up for his earlier drop, Reed grabbed his 1st pick of the year when the Steelers started to drive the field in the 3rd. In the 4th Quarter, Reed would have his 2nd.
11a) During that play, Johnson totally blew up Ward taking the WR out of the play. Johnson would add a sack in the 4th.

12) Williams had 9 carries for 56 yards, including a 26 yard scamper.

13) Lewis also had a pick, and several loud tackles. He caused the Moore fumble in the 4th.

The Bad:

1) Coming off of the Ravens initial TD, Ayanbadejo would be penalized for a horse collar on the Steelers return.

2) Two offensive holds for the Ravens on their 2nd offensive possession, with McKinnie’s wiping out Ed Dickson’s 34 yard grab.

3) After the 2nd Ravens TD, Cundiff kicked the ball 9 yards deep into the Pittsburgh end-zone, but it was still returned to the Steelers’ 32.

4) Mendenhall was gashing the Baltimore run defense early, with 37 yards on his initial 4 carries.

5) Facing 3rd and 9 on the Baltimore 16 in the 2nd Quarter, Pittsburgh picked up the 1st down. The Ravens brought extra rushers, each of them were stood-up.

6) Perhaps a bit gun shy after the Steelers had picked up that 1st down, the Ravens did not bring any pressure on the initial Pittsburgh TD (Roethlisberger to Sanders). If you rush just 3, you can not defend in coverage for that long.

7) Did not love the decision to pass on 3rd and 2 on the possession after the Steelers 1st TD. The fact that Evans did not turn around looking for the ball, could be an indication that the communication between Evans, and Flacco can still improve.

8) Reed should have had the pick on Roethlisberger in the 2nd quarter.

9) I liked the call to go for it on 4th and 1 when Rice was stood-up, but I would have liked to have seen the complete Jumbo package used.

10) Down 29-7 in the 3rd, the Steelers got Ward matched-up on Lewis for a 31 yard pass down the middle.

The Ugly:

None. Not going to call anything ‘Ugly’ when you beat-up on your nemesis to start a season like that. The Ravens made a statement to the league today.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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