NFL Divisional Wrapup - Steelers/Ravens

The first game of Saturday had all the makings of defensive struggle. Steelers and Ravens, what more could be expected, right?

Well, it was that despite the final score of 31-24 with the Steelers advancing. The Steelers overcame a 21-7 halftime deficit to gain a nod in the AFC Championship game.

The defensive struggle part? It really was. The two teams combined for 389 yards of total offense. The problem was on the Ravens side, offensively. They could only muster 126 yards of offense. And don't forget the five total turnovers as well. All led to points.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The game's first turnover came on a bit of a bizarre set of circumstances. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was being rushed and was hit from behind by Ravens DE Terrell Suggs. The ball hit the ground and evey stopped playing...except DE Cory Redding. Redding scooped up the ball and ran into the endzone. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin challenged the play and was unsuccessful. That left Pittsburgh with no more challenges remaining as Tomlin had already used his first earlier in the quarter.

The second Steelers turnover came at the 10:32 mark of the second quarter. RB Rashard Mendenhall was going into a scrum of linemen when his own teammate, OL Chris Kemoeatu, knocked the ball loose from Mendenhall's arm. On the sixth play following the fumble recovery, the Ravens scored a TD. Ravens 21, Steelers 7. The Ravens converted two turnovers into 14 points.

After halftime, it was time for the tide to turn in the Steelers favor.

The first turnover for the Ravens came from the most sure-handed player in the NFL, Ravens RB Ray Rice. Over 400 touches and no fumbles during the regular season. After taking a Joe Flacco pass, Rice sprinted toward the middle of the field only to be met by Steelers S Ryan Clark. Clark knocked the ball loose and LB LaMarr Woodley. Two plays later, TD on a pass to TE Heath Miller.

The second turnover came from a errant pass from Flacco. Flacco floated a pass intended for TE Todd Heap. The ball landed right into the hands of Clark. Steelers ball on the Ravens 25. Four plays and another Steelers TD. This time a TD catch by oft-hated WR Hines Ward. Tie game at 21.

The final Ravens mistake came on a simple snap. C Matt Birk appeared to hit his own rump as he attempted to snap the ball to Flacco. Steelers recover. Eight plays and a FG by K Shaun Suisham gave Pittsburgh their first lead of the game at 24-21. The Steelers would never trail again.

The Ravens had chances. On a 3rd and 6 from the Steelers 6, Flacco threw in the direction of WR Anquan Boldin. TD for sure...until Boldin dropped the pass, a sight we're not used to seeing. The Ravens had to settle fr a field goal to tie the game at 24.

The next opportunity came on the Ravens last drive. With the Steelers holding that 31-24 lead, Baltimore was faced with a 4th and 18. Another sure-handed receiver, T.J. Houshmanzadeh was open when Flacco delivered a strike. Problem was that T.J. dopped the ball. Incomplete pass and game over as two kneel downs by the Steelers offense ended the contest. Steelers 31, Ravens 24.

My favorite moment of the game came when Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall appeared to be heading into the endzone for a TD. Ravens S Ed Reed met Mendenhall in the hole and completely stopped Mendenhall dead in his tracks keeping the Steelers off the board for the moment. That's how players should tackle.

I have two least favorite moments, one during the game the other after the game.

The first occurred when Rice scored on a 14 yard run. After scoring, he was flexing and screaming. Um, did anyone remind Rice the game situation? There was 6:18 left in the first quarter. His TD tied the game. I'm all for showing emotion, but have a bit of common sense here.

My other was while Ravens LB Ray Lewis was holding court by his locker. Before I go on, I want to pint this out. I love Ray Lewis. Take the outside stuff and put it aside. They guy simply plays the game the way it should be played. That being said, I think it was a bit of a low blow to call out his teammates, particularly the offense,in the loss.

Sure, they couldn't afford those turnovers. They led to 17 Steelers points, but don't undress your teammates like that.

One last thought. We hear all the time about the great Steelers defense. It is, but when will Clark receive his due? It's all Troy Polumalu when people bring up the Steelers defensive secondary. I think it's time Clark get his moment.