Pittsburgh Steelers report card after win vs. Baltimore Ravens
By Matt Shetler
Defensive Line: The Steelers were in nickel and dime a lot, so we didn’t get to see much of the traditional three-man defensive line, but when they were in there they did a pretty solid job. The Ravens gained only 82 yards on the ground (14 from Joe Flacco) and Ray Rice was mostly a non-factor throughout the game. Grade: B-
Oct 20, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers safety
Troy Polamalu(43) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers: The Steelers got only one sack, coming from LaMarr Woodley, but did pressure Flacco a ton. Jason Worilds was solid filling in for Jarvis Jones, but a ton of credit needs to go to Lawrence Timmons, who was all over the field, tying a career-high with 17 tackles (12 solo). Grade: A
Secondary: Troy Polamalu was very active and all over the field and William Gay may have had his best game in his career and made two big plays on pass breakups in the end zone. But Flacco picked them apart on the Ravens’ final two drives, going 12 of 15 for 150 yards, including completing 10 of 11 attempts on the Ravens’ touchdown drive to tie the game. Grade: B-
Special Teams: Shaun Suisham continues to be automatic, knocking down all four of his field goal attempts, including the game winner. And the Steelers finally got some production from their return teams. Felix Jones and Sanders each had a kickoff return of over 40 yards and Brown had a nice punt return prior to the Steelers lone touchdown drive. Grade: A
Coaching: I give the coaching staff credit. It was important to build off last week’s win and they did. Dick LeBeau’s defense was solid and only allowed one touchdown. Offensively, Todd Haley added some wrinkles and while the big play was missing, the Steelers were able to find ways to move the football at times, especially on the ground. Grade: A