Five takeaways from Steelers-Ravens

By: Donny Chedrick
This past Sunday’s 26-9 win over the Ravens was the first time since 2012 that the Steelers earned a victory in Baltimore. With the win, Pittsburgh took sole possession of first place in the AFC North at 3-1 and have a chance to sweep the Ravens December 10 for the first time since 2008 - the same season the Steelers would eventually win its sixth Lombardi Trophy. Sunday was one of the more convincing performances in Baltimore in recent memory and before the Steelers come back home to meet the Jaguars, we'll dive into five things from the win at M&T Bank Stadium.

1.    Most complete game

Photo creds to Pittsburgh Post Gazette

The 26-9 victory was without a doubt the best the Steelers have looked this season. Pittsburgh controlled the clock for over 35 minutes, forcing three turnovers, outgaining the Ravens by nearly 100 yards and holding them to 73 yards on the ground. The Steelers made timely plays on defense and the offense looked better than it did in the first month of the season, largely because one player finally got going.

2.    Le'Veon Bell is back

Photo creds to ESPN.Com

It took until the first day of October, but “Juice” finally got loose. Bell had his breakout game Sunday, and hopefully that type of play is here to stay. Bell ran the  ball 35 times while collecting 144 yards and two touchdowns. He was a factor in the receiving game as well for the first time this season with four receptions for 42 yards. The best part for the Steelers was that he looked like Lev Bell for the first time all year. He was patient and hit the holes the best he has all year. He was arguably the biggest impact player on the field Sunday, especially for the offense.

3.    Turnaround in the trenches

Photo creds to Ebony Bird

After what the Steelers went through in Chicago, the offensive and defensive lines took it upon themselves to make a statement in Baltimore. The Ravens were held to under 100 yards on the ground and the Steelers sacked Joe Flacco four times. If Pittsburgh carrier this type of play in the trenches into the coming weeks, it could become a  scary team to face.

4.    Mike Hilton

Photo creds to Steelers Store

He was one of the best stories coming through training camp and became a crowd favorite. Sunday, Hilton recorded his best performance in black and gold. Hilton collected four tackles, which didn't lead the team, but he made impacts elsewhere. Hilton snagged his first career sack when he took down Flacco in the third quarter, then later picked off Flacco to help seal the game. Having Hilton play with this hungry attitude will be huge for the Steelers' depth later on in the season if injuries form in the defensive backfield.

  

5. Antonio Brown's outburst

Possibly the only negative to Sunday's game came when AB decided to show his dissatisfaction after Ben Roethlisberger avoided him on a pass downfield when he was open. Brown threw a Gatorade cooler and made a big scene on the sideline, to sum up a frustrating four-catch, 34-yard performance. Ben later came out to say that Brown has been more of a distraction to the team than he realizes and the leaders will need to come together to calm things down in what so far has been a pretty fine opening to the season for the Steelers.


The Steelers return home this Sunday to take on the AFC South- leading Jacksonville Jaguars. With a win, the Steelers would improve to 4-1 and continue to hold sole possession of first place in the AFC North.