A rough third quarter
A one-score game heading into the fourth quarter.
Sounds about right for Ravens-Steelers.
The only third quarter scoring came off the foot of Steelers kicker Jeff Reed, who booted a 44-yard field goal to cut the Ravens' lead to 14-10.
The quarter saw a number of injuries for the Ravens, as quarterback Joe Flacco, wide receiver Derrick Mason and fullback Le'Ron McClain all limped off the field at various times.
Flacco seemed to injure his right foot or ankle on a sack by LaMarr Woodley, and gingerly came off the field at the end of the drive. He was attended to by team trainers, had his right ankle taped up, and returned to the game on the next series without missing a play.
On the same series, Mason came off with what had to be cramps after making a reception. He was given fluids and had his left leg stretched out by trainers. He also returned to the game.
McClain might not be so fortunate. He stayed down on the turf after a seven-yard run late in the quarter, and slowly walked off the field with the help of team trainers.
The Ravens are calling his injury an abdominal strain and saying his return is questionable.
This came after McClain ripped off a couple nice runs and seemed to be hitting a groove. The fullback has gained 37 yards on just five touches today, and the Steelers were having trouble bringing down the bruising runner.
I guess you wouldn't expect much else from a game between these two teams, huh? The trainers usually earn their pay on these days.
 |
Categories (click for archive)Dan Kolko | Ravens News |
We need to force a turnover or we will not win this game.
Harbaugh said at the end of the half, "Let them make mistakes, and we'll take advantage of them." Well, it was our mistakes, and the Steelers took advantage. Four sacks against Flacco, none against Dixon. And on that TD run, the blitz was entirely inside--they didn't respect Dixon's speed, and no one covered the outside. The Steelers had exactly the right play on against that kind of blitz.
Sheesh... Unless the Ravens can answer Woodley and the Steelers' intense pass rush, we will lose this game.
We have no pass rush, and I don't know if things would be different if we had Suggs. We also can't keep pressure off of Flacco, which is the main reason the Steelers are still in this game.