Recap: 10/16
The Ravens lost their third consecutive game in what was perhaps their most dejecting performance of the streak. Why was is depressing? Well, they actually played pretty good in about 80% of the game.
The 80% – Getting Downfield
The biggest question mark for Baltimore heading into MetLife Stadium was if the offense was going to be able to turn over a new leaf under the stewardship of Marty Mornhinweg, and, by and large, the answer was yes. While the 23 points they put up are nothing to scoff at, the most impressive stats from Sunday's performance include 391 total yards, 22 first downs, and zero turnovers. Joe Flacco was particularly impressive, making several deep passes en route to earning 293 passing yards on the day. Meanwhile, Terrance West increased the number of passing yards he has on the season by more than 21%.
The 20% – The Red Zone
Two for five. That's what the Ravens were in red zone scoring attempts, and in a game decided by only four points, not being able to advance the football past the 99-yard marker after getting there seemed excitingly easy is the worst kind of torture. It's like starving to death with food right in front of you because your arms were too short to reach your mouth
The Silver Lining
Injuries and the Steelers – good lord the Steelers. The Giants' one man wrecking crew and now fiancé to the team's kicking net, Odell Beckham Jr. wasn't turned loose to have a career day until Jimmy Smith and Jerraud Powers departed from the game due to injuries. Additionally, after the loss, it was shared that Terrell Suggs suffered an injury as well. Injuries to key players are never ideal, but, in this case, it might be good to hear since it means improvement to a solid effort is on the way. As far as the Steelers go, they lost to Miami, and it wasn't pretty, meaning that the Ravens are still only a game back (!).
So while the Ravens lost a third consecutive game, and while it was yet another frustrating Sunday, they still have quite a bit of life left, and if they came up short Sunday, then at least the Steelers weren't even tall enough to be allowed on It's a Small World.
