Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers can kiss pretty much any and all hope of the playoffs goodbye after a lackluster and embarrassing effort against division rival, the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. The 16-14 loss was hugely in part due to red zone offense and interceptions thrown by backup quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky after starter, Kenny Pickett exited the contest due to the concussion protocol. On the defensive side of the ball, only allowing 16 points looks like an accomplishment, but taking a deeper dive could lead one to believe that the preparation the past week was not nearly acceptable enough as the defense was overmatched and outmuscled.
Steelers defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin looks on and points at one of the team's practices. | Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It's hard to argue that one player for Pittsburgh had an impressive game. Interceptions were thrown, the running game stalled, punts weren't good and a field goal was blocked. Prior to the game starting, Pittsburgh was the favorite to win with Ravens' quarterback, Lamar Jackson out with a knee injury. It had to be expected inside the coaching room that Baltimore was going to strictly focus on the rushing attack. The Steelers' defense didn't get the memo.
Rushing yards
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) December 11, 2022
Baltimore =215
Pittsburgh =65
Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards has 120 and 66 yards rushing, respectively. Dobbins found the end zone for the first touchdown of the game, but shockingly, the two having success shouldn't be the most disappointing thing that occurred. Backup quarterback for the Baltimore, Tyler Huntley, left with an injury and an already predictable and run heavy offense became even more one dimensional.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Ravens ran 19 plays for 65 yards on their last two possessions and while no one expected undrafted rookie and third-string quarterback, Anthony Brown to muster up any kind of passing attack, Pittsburgh's defense had no answer for the running game. Star edge rusher, T.J. Watt was asked about what went wrong in terms of his group's lack of success halting the rushing attack from their opponent.
"Not executing when everyone in the stadium knew what they were going to do and that was run the ball."
It has to be both frustrating and embarrassing for players to look back on this matchup. There was no chance that Baltimore would take risks in the passing game with Huntley in, let alone Brown. The key to an AFC North bloodbath is to protect the football and control the clock. The Steelers' defense was absolutely manhandled throughout the game and head coach, Mike Tomlin acknowledged that his defensive unit tired out at the end.
"I just thought we wore down. The pile was falling forward."
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09:Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Ravens ran the ball 42 times for 215 yards. The quarterbacks for Baltimore only attempted 17 passes which led to just 94 passing yards. It doesn't seem like rocket science to focus solely on the rushing attack, but Pittsburgh was not up for the task and now the locker room has to be starting to think about the 2023 season. Playoff hopes were more than alive with a win on Sunday, but they have now shriveled.
Who is most at fault for the Steelers' defense being unprepared for a vicious Ravens' rushing attack? Let us know in the comments below!
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