The Baltimore Ravens edged the Pittsburgh Steelers in a defensive struggle last week at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. While the win was ugly, and Joe Flacco and the offense failed to reach pay-dirt, the Ravens were able to seize control of the AFC North with a 13-10 win. Even with key players out for both teams, the matchup lived up to the hype we have grown accustomed to. It was an extremely physical game with a close outcome, similar to basically every game in the rivalry for several years now.
Courtesy: Lloyld Fox/Baltimore Sun
The difference in the contest was special teams. Baltimore’s special teams have transformed themselves into one of the most productive units in the NFL. Not only has Jacoby Jones become the most feared kick/punt returner in the AFC; but the Ravens punt and kickoff coverage teams are playing at an elite level. This kind of spark can help a team pull out close games, especially in the playoffs.
If the Baltimore Ravens recent struggles on the road are any indication of how they will fare today against the San Diego Chargers, it might be a long afternoon for Ravens Nation. Traveling cross country is never easy for any sports team, in any sports league. Routine is broken, sleep patterns change; and for creatures of habit, these variables can be the difference between a win and a loss (one can only imagine the dramatic shifts in the quality of play if the NFL puts a team in Europe).
If the Ravens defense continues to improve, look for Baltimore to win a close contest and improve to 9-2. If the Ravens secondary plays poorly (as they have shown against inferior teams like the Browns and Raiders recently) and Philip Rivers finds Danario Alexander early and often, the Chargers have a great shot to land an upset.
This is my Notes from the Rafters at Heinz Field.
