Ravens’ Offensive Line Struggles Costly in AFC North Showdown Against Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens faced a harsh reality in their 27-22 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. What was at stake? Sole possession of first place in the competitive AFC North. While blame can be distributed across various facets of the game, it is clear that the trenches played a pivotal role in this loss.
Offensive Line Breakdown
Despite a commendable effort in the run game, where the Ravens amassed over 200 rushing yards for the second time this season, their pass protection faltered at crucial moments. The inability to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson led to two sacks and multiple pressures, disrupting his rhythm and limiting his ability to scan the field effectively.
Head coach John Harbaugh offered a mixed assessment of the offensive line’s performance. He praised the contributions of tackles Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten, as well as center Tyler Linderbaum. “I thought the two tackles played two of their best games [this season],” Harbaugh noted, acknowledging a minor setback when Rosengarten was beaten inside on a specific pass protection scheme. “Tyler played really well,” he added.
Inconsistent Guard Play
The Ravens’ starting guards have often been a topic of scrutiny, and their performance against the Steelers was no exception. Third-year player Andrew Vorhees, on the left, and fourth-year pro Daniel Faalele, on the right, demonstrated effectiveness in the run game. Harbaugh remarked, “I thought the guards played exceptionally well in the run game. They were moving people; they were wearing people out.” However, he also pointed out their inconsistency in pass protection, which proved costly for the team.
Faalele, in particular, has been emblematic of the offensive line’s struggles, frequently highlighted for his missed blocks and blown assignments. His performance against the Steelers was no different, yielding four pressures and receiving the lowest pass protection grade among the Ravens’ offensive linemen from Pro Football Focus, with a score of 45.3. Harbaugh reflected, “Every player has plays they want back,” mentioning a specific instance where Faalele overextended on a hard-play action, leading to a breakdown in protection.
Critical Mistakes at Key Moments
While Vorhees had a relatively better game compared to Faalele, he too had his share of critical mistakes. A holding penalty during the Ravens’ final possession hindered their momentum on the first play of the drive. This was compounded by a questionable holding call on a preceding punt, forcing the Ravens to start their drive deep in their own territory at the 26-yard line.
Looking Ahead
As the Ravens reflect on this disappointing loss, the offensive line’s performance will be under close scrutiny in the weeks to come. With the stakes high in the AFC North, their ability to protect Jackson and maintain offensive balance will be crucial as they strive to regain their footing in the division race. The challenges are clear, but so too are the opportunities for growth as the season progresses.
