The Ravens played against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the playoffs. This was the third meeting of the season between the two teams, with each team winning at the others home field during the regular season. In those games, the defenses dominated, holding the scoring to a minimum. The same cannot be said about this game.
The Steelers scored first with a good opening drive, but on their next two possessions, the Ravens forced two critical turnovers. The Ravens' offense turned those turnovers into 14 points and helped the Ravens jump out to a 21-7 lead going into halftime. The Ravens had all the momentum in their favor heading into halftime and it looked like the Ravens were going to run away with the game.
In the second half, it was the Ravens turn to give away points and allow the Steelers to get back into the game. Ray Rice fumbled the football, opening the door for the Steelers to score on a touchdown pass, which made it 21-14. On the Ravens' next drive, Joe Flacco overthrew a pass that was intended for Todd Heap and was picked off by the Steelers. The Steelers offense added another touchdown after the interception, tying up the score at 21 heading into the fourth quarter.
With 1:33 left in the game, the Steelers scored the go ahead touchdown, making it 31-24. The Ravens had a last minute chance at coming back, but a fourth down pass dropped by T.J. Houshmandzadeh ended the game and the Ravens' season.
The Ravens' offense was once again ineffective in the second half and put their defense in a bind, which seemed to have been the story of the season for the Ravens. The Ravens will need to address a few issues in order to get over the hump in 2011.
- Charlie Rachel
No comments:
Post a Comment