Tag: Michael Pierce

Instant analysis of Ravens 17-10 loss to the Steelers in Week 18 regular-season finale

We’re looking at instant analysis of Baltmore Ravens 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 regular-season finale

Baltimore will finish the regular season 13-4 after a desperate Pittsburgh squad (10-7) held on for a 17-10 win at sloppy M&T Bank Stadium.

Playing in a driving rain storm all afternoon, the Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive while snapping the Ravens ‘ game-winning streak.

After securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the AFC North title by defeating the Dolphins in Week 17, the Ravens (13-4) entered Saturday’s game against their division rival with no playoff ramifications for themselves.

Baltimore sat NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson and six other starters: Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, guard Kevin Zeitler, middle linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

With the Ravens set for a Wild Card week bye and the Steelers needing help on Sunday, here’s an instant analysis of the loss.

7 takeaways from first half as Ravens-Steelers are tied 7-7 in season finale

We’re looking at the takeaways from the first half of the season finale between Baltimore and Pittsburgh

The Ravens sat six starters and held out several key contributors, but the weather was an ally as rain engulfed M&T Bank Stadium in the first half on Saturday.

Baltimore overcame two fumbles, including one Melvin Gordon turnover that Pittsburgh recovered, and utilized a late second-quarter drive to even things at 7-7 to end the first half.

The Ravens were without Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham, and Roquan Smith, among others, but got a timely turnover from Del’Shawn Phillips and some elite running after the catch by Isaiah Likely.

With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half.

Ravens vs. Steelers: Five storylines to watch for in Week 18

We’re looking at five storylines to watch in the Week 18 matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers

Baltimore is 12-3, the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC, and they’ll enter Week 18 against the Steelers with nothing to officially play for.

Such a scenario allows John Harbaugh to rest his starters.

Several vital starters and contributors will play on Saturday afternoon, and we’re looking at five storylines to watch in the season finale.

Ravens agree to 2-year, $7.5 million contract extension with DT Michael Pierce

In a move that could help potentially absorb the potential loss of Justin Madubuike, Baltimore has agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension with Michael Pierce.

In a move that could help potentially absorb the loss of Patrick Madubuike, Baltimore has agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension with defensive tackle Michael Pierce.

The 31-year-old has 37 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pair of fumble recoveries this season, and most importantly, he’s one of three defensive tackles on the roster set to become unrestricted free agents at season’s end.

Pierce, Madubuike, and Brent Urban could all test the open market.

Madubuike will be the name to watch as a 2023 Pro Bowler who’s amassed 11+ tackles and could land $25 million a year in compensation from another team.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=46916063]

Ravens 53-man roster for season finale vs. Steelers

We’re looking at the Baltimore Ravens updated 53-man roster for the Week 18 season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Ravens (12-3) have ruled out six players for Saturday afternoon’s season finale against the Steelers (9-7) at M&T Bank Stadium.

Baltimore will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC and has the luxury of resting players, while Pittsburgh will roll with Mason Rudolph at quarterback, as Mike Tomlin’s team needs a win and some help to get in the tournament.

With kickoff fast approaching, here’s an updated 53-man roster for the regular season finish.

Odell Beckham is among six players ruled out for the season finale vs. the Steelers

Ravens rule out six players for season finale vs. Steelers

With Baltimore already in possession of the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye, the Ravens ruled out six players before Saturday’s season-finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Ravens ruled out Lamar Jackson, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., guard Kevin Zeitler, cornerback Marlon Humphrey (groin), linebacker Malik Harrison (groin), and defensive back Daryl Worley (shoulder/ankle).

Tyler Huntley will get the start at quarterback.

AFC Pro Bowl: Baltimore Ravens 5 biggest snubs

We’re looking at five Baltimore Ravens that were 2023 NFL Pro Bowl snubs

The Ravens are the NFL’s best team, and the AFC power was properly represented on the Pro Bowl team, with seven players named.

Baltimore’s Pro Bowlers are quarterback Lamar Jackson, linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebacker Patrick Queen, and kicker Justin Tucker.

It’s the first time for Hamilton, Madubuike, Queen, and Linderbaum – all players General Manager Eric DeCosta drafted.

The process isn’t perfect, and there were several Ravens who were well deserving, and left off the list.

Lamar Jackson among seven Ravens named to the AFC Pro Bowl

Lamar Jackson is among seven Baltimore Ravens players named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster

The Ravens are the NFL’s best team, and the AFC power was properly represented on the Pro Bowl team, with seven players named.

Baltimore’s Pro Bowlers are quarterback Lamar Jackson, linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebacker Patrick Queen, and kicker Justin Tucker.

It’s the first time for Hamilton, Madubuike, Queen, and Linderbaum – all players General Manager Eric DeCosta drafted.

Ravens have 12 players land on injury report ahead of season finale vs. Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens had 12 players land on the Wednesday injury report ahead of the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Ravens have the AFC’s first round bye and the rest will come at the right time for an elite team that’s banged up.

Baltimore will face Pittsburgh in the Week 18 season finale, and John Harbaugh’s team had 12 players land on the initial Wednesday injury report.

Cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle) returned to practice after missing Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

Baltimore also welcomed back defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, who was designated for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window.

Washington suffered a chest injury in Week 2 in Cincinnati.

National reaction to Ravens clinching No. 1 seed in AFC with 56-19 win over Dolphins

We’re looking at the national reaction to the Baltimore Ravens clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 17

The Ravens are champions of the AFC North and the No. 1 seed in the conference after dismantling the Miami Dolphins, 56-19 on Sunday afternoon.

In a scene that can only be dominant and brutal, Lamar Jackson was near perfect on the afternoon, likely wrapping up his second MVP award since 2019.

With preparation for the finale against Pittsburgh starting to begin, we’re looking at the national reaction to this win.