Steelers @ Ravens- 1st rd of playoffs

[tsylvester]

What more can we say that has not been said: these two teams meet once again for the rubber match.

Pit is on a 4 game bender while the Ravens have won 4 in a row in blowout style.

The goal for the Ravens this year has been more than just winning it all, it has been about playing their best all game every game.

This has not always been the case this year, of the game they lost, they gave them away with costly turnovers and ill timed penalties. In short, teams didn't really beat them, they beat them selves.

The knock on Lamar has been not just his playoff record, 2-4, but his erratic play. Not taking what the defense gives him, short passes or timely runs when lanes open, not taking care of the ball, I'll advised throws that get intercepted, or the fumbles.

So a familiar foe, one that had his number in the regular season until a complete domination just two weeks ago seemed to quell the questions about big game performances.

So it is only fitting that he face the same demon and banish it to start the run to the Silver Betty.

The defense too will be tested once again, have they truly improved from the pourus unit that plagued this team at times this year?

Does the team have the discipline it will take to win in the post season?

So, who ya got?

[papasmurfbell]

Pitt is falling apart.  I would be shocked to see Lamar self destruct enough to lose to them.

[tsylvester]

Game is Saturday at 8 eastern

[papasmurfbell]

Just saw that.

[oldno82]

Last time we played em they didn’t have their best receiver. This time, situation will probably be the opposite.

[papasmurfbell]

True.  But moral seems to be collapsing now.  

[tsylvester]

Their line is still suspect. The Ravens front four has been collapsing pockets all season. If they do that again, it should mitigate Pickens.

But rest assured, they will target Stephens and Harrison/Board who don't take proper drops to stop those seam passes to the tightends.

Remember, Pit only won the first game in the series because the Ravens turned the ball over and penalties.

Just like the last game, if the Ravens can relax and just play mostly mistake free football, they will win.

This team, if you listen to the post game interviews, the lockeroom speeches after the win against the Browns, is truly focussed, determined to not let complacency, arrogance, dare I say stupidity stop them from their next goal: win the AFC.

[papasmurfbell]

And that gets to my point of Lamar’s playing poorly.  He won’t be bad enough for a loss bc Pitt is playing bad.

[tsylvester]

Well, we shall see, he does seem different this year, taking the running lanes when the pocket opens up. Taking the check downs when nothing is open down field.

If Flowers can't go, hopefully Tez gets his chance, with his size and speed he will open up the middle for Andrews and Likely.

I would love to see them put Humphries on Pickens all game, he is having a great year, looks like his old self. He is a great trash talker so he might even be able to bait Pickens into losing his cool.

[tsylvester]

"Best be on your best behavior"

 

According to the nflpenalties.com, Alex Kemp’s crew officiated 16 games in 2024. They tied with Shawn Hochuli’s for the fourth-most penalties whistled in 2024