Steelers Fall To 6-4 With Loss To Ravens
When a team's franchise quarterback is sitting on the sidelines with two pro bowlers like Polamalu and Antonio Brown, perhaps, as fans, we shouldn't be surprised at the outcome of this game. Add to this, Byron Leftwich making his first start in three years was sacked 3 times and intercepted once.
Leftwich started out of the blocks fast running for 31 yards for a touchdown giving the Steelers a 7-0 lead early in the game. Unfortunately, he spent most of the rest of the game picking himself up off the turf. With Leftwich, "fast" is all relative.
Even with Redman, Mendenhall and Dwyer, the Steelers couldn't get the train moving. Mendenhall showed he's still rusty around the edges. Redman left with a concussion and Dwyer only had 12 carries.
The bright spot remained with the defense. Ray Rice average a "whopping" 2 yards per carry while Torrey Smith had one catch for 7 yards. Ravens ended the game with only 200 net yards. In fact, Joe Flacco was not much better than Leftwich. He was 20 for 32 with 164 yards.
The loss dropped the Steelers two behind the Ravens in the division. The loss also marked the 6th time the Steelers lost to the Ravens when Roethlisberger was not leading the team. In that scenario, the Steelers are now 0-6.
The Numbers (If stats won games, Steelers would be winners today):
- Play Selection for the Steelers: 59% passing and 41% rushing.
- Time of Possession: Steelers 32:51 to Ravens 27:09.
- First Downs: Steelers 17 to Ravens 12.
- Leftwich was 18 for 39 for 201 yards. No TD's and 1 interception.
- Dwyer had 12 attempts for 55 yards.
- Mendenhall 11 attempts for 33 yards.
- Sanders 3 receptions for 82 yards.
- Wallace 4 for 26 yards.
- Dwyer 3 receptions for 26 yards.
- Heath Miller 2 receptions for 22 yards.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 25 at Cleveland. 1:00 p.m.
