Mike Preston grades the Ravens’ 30-17 win over the Steelers
Joe Flacco managed the game well. When he had time, he made some crucial throws, but he also had some of those moments and made some questionable decisions. But overall, he played a solid game, and his elusiveness led to several big plays. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston delivers his grades on the Ravens’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC wild-card playoff round.
Justin Forsett ran with authority much of the night but had the big fumble. Backup Bernard Pierce, pictured, showed great vision on his 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Ravens were wise matching up fullback Kyle Juszczyk with safety Troy Polamalu on several passing plays. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
The Steelers couldn’t handle the Ravens receivers and Joe Flacco wasn’t afraid to take chances downfield to Torrey Smith and Steve Smith. Steve Smith had too much muscle and Torrey Smith had too much speed. Tight end Owen Daniels worked the middle of the field well. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
The Ravens were outstanding at the point of attack in the first half and got movement at the line of scrimmage. Left guard Kelechi Osemele was excellent and Marshal Yanda, pictured, played well starting his second game at right tackle. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
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The Steelers couldn’t run the football because the Ravens outworked them at the line of scrimmage. Chris Canty, Pernell McPhee and Haloti Ngata were getting too much penetration. They also did a good job of collapsing the pocket. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
Outside linebackers Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, pictured, played well, and Suggs appeared to find new life in his legs. Inside linebackers Daryl Smith and C.J. Mosley were active and got good drops in pass coverage. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
The Ravens gave up a lot of yardage but not a lot of big plays. The Ravens had trouble making tackles as Pittsburgh completed short passes, but this group wasn’t intimidated by the Steelers and challenged them at the line of scrimmage. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
Justin Tucker converted on several field goals and the Ravens had strong kickoff coverage. Jacoby Jones didn’t have his usual good game against the Steelers. The penalty for having 12 men on the field on the field-goal attempt was unacceptable. They also had a punt blocked. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
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After nearly a month of playing poorly, the Ravens came out strong against the Steelers. They were more physical, and the defense did a good job of not giving up too many big plays. Offensively, the Ravens had a good mixture of run and pass. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)