Tag: Baltimore Ravens

Should Justin Fields be used more inside the 25? Red Zone struggles continue in win over Baltimore.

The Steelers struggles in the red zone continue with Russell Wilson at quarterback.

It’s no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers have been stalling in the Red Zone – in fact, they sit at 30th in the NFL as far as Red Zone efficiency.

One fix Steelers fans have been vouching for is to use QB Justin Fields in that area, where his legs are as dangerous as can be. Statistically, he has the stats to back its success.

Per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, each quarterback brought Pittsburgh inside the 10-yard line 11 times, and Fields gave them 8 touchdowns and 1 FG as opposed to Wilson’s 4 TDs and 5 FGs.

Wilson’s drives have stalled out more than Fields’, but maybe that’s due to an imminent passing game with Wilson taking the helm, rather than mainly relying on the run game to score.

Despite this, it’s also important to note how Steelers OC Arthur Smith plans to use Fields and his surreal athleticism – for package plays designed for him. Smith plans on using him much more in the near future as the season is just past the half way point.

“I don’t view Justin as a gadget guy. We have two starting quarterbacks,” said Smith.

The recent Red Zone struggles are a sign for Smith to try out that “package” near the end of the field, but only time will tell if that’s one of the answers Pittsburgh needs in the final stretch of games.

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Ravens HC John Harbaugh reveals big reason why team lost to Steelers in Week 11

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh revealed a big reason why the team lost to the Steelers in Week 11

The Baltimore Ravens lost to Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11, dropping to 7-4 and 2-2 in their division. There are many reasons why the team wasn’t able to get the job done, including mistakes, penalties and more.

Head coach John Harbaugh went into detail on why the team ended up losing to Pittsburgh, highlighting many key areas of fault. However, the biggest thing he talked about was getting into second-and-long too much, which set Baltimore back on many of their drives.

“The biggest thing was we just got in the second-and-long too much – second-and-long, and then it ends up being third-and-long too often. Penalties set us back too much.”

The Ravens have to be a much more disciplined team moving forward, especially when it comes to not making mistakes that cost them opportunities. That has been an issue all season long, and if the team wants to win a Super Bowl they must lose that habit as quickly as possible.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on former Ravens ILB Patrick Queen: ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin weighed in on former Baltimore Ravens ILB Patrick Queen

The Baltimore Ravens saw inside linebacker Patrick Queen move on to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 offseason. A lot has been made about Queen’s departure, especially by the inside linebacker himself.

Mike Tomlin spoke about Queen and his performance after Pittsburgh’s 18-16 win over Baltimore. He said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and expressed his joy that Queen is now on his side.

Queen made multiple splash plays against his former team, which helped the Steelers secure a much-needed victory. The Ravens will see Queen again before the regular season ends, giving them an opportunity for revenge.

Why Justin Fields is the Steelers’ X-factor heading into Week 12’s TNF

The Justin Fields package helped secure a Week 11 win for the Steelers and could play a major role against Cleveland’s defense in Week 12.

While it can be argued that too much blame is being placed on Russell Wilson’s shoulders for the Steelers’ Week 11 offensive struggles, one key takeaway from Pittsburgh’s offense remains: the ‘Justin Fields package‘ was immaculate.

The Fields rushing package has been teased since the Steelers traded for the former Bears QB, and it finally came to fruition in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers brought Fields in for a QB power play and two QB-RB options that helped seal the Week 11 victory for Pittsburgh. In Week 12, facing a relentless Cleveland pass rush led by 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, the Steelers may be forced to rely on the Fields package as the focal point of the rushing attack.

Fields isn’t just a running QB; he can also sling it deep if the game script calls for it, and this versatility could prove to be Cleveland’s downfall in the upcoming Thursday Night Football game.

Will Steelers OC Arthur Smith utilize both Wilson’s and Fields’ greatest strengths in unison? Between Wilson’s ‘moon ball’ and Fields’ speed, not many defenses in the league can prepare for this offensive tandem.

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Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 12 opponent: Ravens

Here are some important things to know about the Ravens ahead of the Week 12 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are at home to face the Ravens in primetime on Monday, Nov. 25, at 5:15 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 12 bout, here are a few key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Ravens are 7-4 on the season, with their most recent game being a loss to the Steelers.

Harbowl II

Jim and John Harbaugh will meet for the second time. Harbowl I occurred in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 when John’s Ravens beat Jim’s 49ers 34-31.

Running up the scoreboard

The Ravens have been a problem to opposing defenses this season. Baltimore is averaging the second-most points in the NFL (30.4).

Lamar is legit

One of the main reasons the Ravens’ offense is impactful is Lamar Jackson’s play. Jackson has thrown for 2,876 yards and 25 touchdowns with three interceptions. He ranks first in EPA/play and success rate. Along with being a prolific passer, Jackson is lethal with his legs. He’s carried the ball 95 times for 584 yards and two scores.

All hail King Henry

The Ravens’ acquisition of Derrick Henry this past offseason has paid dividends. The former Titan has run wild this season, leading the league in yards (1,185), rushing touchdowns (13), and 20+ yard rushing plays (13). Between Jackson and Henry, Baltimore is averaging a whopping 177.3 yards per game on the ground.

Uneven defense

The Ravens have been stout against the run, allowing just 77.5 yards per game, which ranks No. 2 in the league. However, Baltimore has been torched through the air. They’ve given up the most passes (39.5) and passing yards per game (284.5).

Look out for…

Zay Flowers. Flowers, the second-year wide receiver, has established himself as Jackson’s top target. He has the fifth-most receiving yards (727) and is nearly always bound to make a big play.

Patrick Queen wants prosperity not pity, Ravens flock or Ravens fluke?

It’s seeming as if Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen made the right decision to leave the Baltimore Ravens.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen wants to win, not continuously come up short in the biggest games of his NFL career.

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Queen and his Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 Sunday, but the countless mistakes made by his former team hints towards a lack of discipline Queen experienced long before his departure.  

Queen accepted a very bitter defeat versus the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship this past January. Sure, Queen did begin taking jabs at the city of Baltimore earlier this spring. Still, his underlying grief after a 13-4  regular season record and No. 1 AFC seed could not be tastefully conveyed.

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Queen was emphatic for the Baltimore Ravens last season, playing under defensive coordinator Zachary Orr and alongside all-pro Roquan Smith in a situation that appeared to be the best thing that could have ever happened to him. However, Ravens’ fans continue to see mediocrity emerge, especially within the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens’ offense.

Of course, Queen was prepared to school his teammates on the Steelers’ defense about the play tendencies of Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Moreover, not only did Queen help the Steelers hold the Ravens to just two touchdowns, but he forced a huge fumble in the second quarter to stall a Ravens late first-half drive.

For Queen, things could’ve been so simple. Had the Ravens focused in last season, they may have retained Queen, won the Super Bowl, and taken a ride into glory. Instead, they’ll recalibrate and have to sober into the reality that they may have to clinch a playoff berth as a wild-card team this season. That is unless the Steelers tumble backward.

Mike Tomlin ecstatic Baltimore let Patrick Queen hit free agency

Mike Tomlin shares his thoughts on Patrick Queen following the Steelers’ Week 11 win, highlighting his value to the team.

In the post-game press conference following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 11 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked his opinion on former Raven and current Steelers LB Patrick Queen. Tomlin kept it short and sweet, explaining: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Man, I am glad he is on our team.”

Queen, who left Baltimore after the team allowed him to hit free agency in the 2024 offseason, had a fantastic outing against the Ravens, providing much-needed run support against the one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL.

Heading into Week 11, much discussion surrounded Queen’s potential in the revenge game against his former team, and the Steelers LB did not disappoint.

While Queen had his ups and downs to start the season, no one can deny the consecutive elite performances he delivered in Weeks 10 and 11.

Queen will look to keep his red-hot momentum rolling as his team faces a short week due to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12’s Thursday Night Football game.

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Mike Tomlin spares no feelings regarding Russell Wilson’s Week 11 INT

Mike Tomlin addresses Russell Wilson’s costly interception in Week 11 as the Steelers prepare for Thursday Night Football against Cleveland.

While Russell Wilson has led the Steelers to four consecutive victories in each of his past four starts, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was unimpressed with one specific play from Week 11 against Baltimore.

The offense was struggling to score touchdowns against a stingy Ravens defense, and Wilson almost made a spectacular touchdown pass to TE Darnell Washington.

Wilson escaped pressure, scrambled to his right, and threw up a jump ball to the 6’7″ dynamic tight end in the end zone, but Washington watched it fly past his head and into the arms of Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey.

While the blame game was to be expected, Tomlin wasted no time letting everyone know who he believes was at fault: “I just wish Russ hadn’t thrown it.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought Wilson in to make plays for their offense, and Tomlin shouldn’t be surprised nor discourage Wilson’s willingness to take these risks.

Tomlin and the Wilson-led Steelers offense will look to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns on, Thursday Night Football, on November 21st at 8:15 PM EST.

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Roquan Smith injury update: Latest news on Ravens linebacker

Roquan Smith was one of four players (Travis Jones, Arthur Maulet, Sanoussi Kane) to not practice for the Ravens ahead of game vs. Chargers

Baltimore returned to the practice field on Wednesday, and Roquan Smith was one of four players (Travis Jones, Arthur Maulet, Sanoussi Kane) not to practice for the Ravens ahead of the game vs. the Chargers.

Head Coach John Harbaugh didn’t have an update on Smith after the game.

Smith had 13 tackles and logged 55 snaps in the loss to Pittsburgh before exiting with a hamstring injury.

Smith was replaced by Malik Harrison, who lined up alongside Trenton Simpson. If the All-Pro linebacker can’t play on Monday night in Los Angeles, that will be the case.

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Harbaugh Bowl, or “Harbowl” should be a major battle of wits

Every football game is a fierce battle of wits, but it takes on added and deeper level when it’s brother versus brother.

The second-ever Harbaugh Bowl, which we can call the “Harbowl” (as portmanteaus are all the rage these days), will soon be upon us.

Monday night, John Harbaugh and his Baltimore Ravens will be on the opposite side of the country, in Los Angeles, where they’ll take on his brother Jim’s Chargers. 

Harbowl I occurred in Super Bowl XLVII, in 2013 when John’s Ravens beat Jim’s San Francisco 49ers 34-31. Meetings between the Harbaugh siblings are rare, and that’s what makes them all the more special. 

Every football game is a fierce battle of wits, but it takes on an added and deeper level when it’s brother versus brother. Each man probably thinks that he knows all that there is to know about his opponent.

I also realize that the man on the opposite sideline almost certainly feels the same way about him.  It’s somewhat reminiscent of a famous Sir Winston Churchill quote about warfare:

“Always remember, however sure you are that you could easily win, that there would not be a war if the other man did not think he also had a chance.”

And the Harbaugh brothers are two intellectuals who have, in the past, provided articulate public commentary on social matters transcending football.

At 2017 Big Ten Media Day, Jim discussed his plans to take his Michigan Wolverines squad on an upcoming trip to Paris and Normandy. He did so by referencing the Rome trip he took his team on the previous year.

“I think it was A+ on all levels,” Jim Harbaugh told The Sports Bank, regarding his voyage to the eternal city. He added that the trip was also a chance to “make the world your classroom.”

I can’t think of a better endorsement for the concept of travel than that.

As for John, back in September 2020, when NFL players were protesting police brutality and racial injustice in the legal system during the playing of the national anthem, he gave a very passionate take.

“I don’t know how you can criticize someone for being passionate and for believing in something important to them,” Harbaugh said in an interview with NBC Sports.

“They want America to be great, and to realize the ideals we were founded on.”

John Harbaugh seemed to understand the Black Lives Matter movement better than most other NFL head coaches.

These are two thoughtful guys, so we should expect a very heady game.