Posted on: December 12, 2022, 02:38h.
Last updated on: December 12, 2022, 02:38h.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated themselves as they faced the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The matchup was just one of several NFL games that were sure to be battles, but Pittsburgh ended up fighting its own errors more than the Ravens.
The Ravens, leaders of the AFC North, beat the Steelers, losers of the AFC North, 16-14 in Week 14 without quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, they also won due to three turnovers and a blocked field goal.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s reported that the Ravens will be without Jackson until Christmas Eve, as sprained knee ligaments will sideline him for two to three weeks. However, his two replacements, Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown, didn’t disappoint.
Ravens Continue To Thrive
Before the injury, Jackson had 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions after completing 62.3% of his passes. On the ground, he had 764 yards and three touchdowns, as well as 112 rushes.
His absence didn’t go unnoticed yesterday, but it’s obvious the Ravens have a QB squad that can maintain control. Huntley was 8/12 for 88 yards before Ravens safety Minkah Fitzpatrick delivered a huge hit that forced him to leave due to concussion protocol.
Brown, who came in after that third-quarter smack, was good for 3/5 and 16 yards. He was just getting his feet wet, and had help carrying the team to victory thanks to the Steelers’ weak performance.
Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky was extremely aggressive with the ball, probably more aggressive than he had to be. He was trying too hard to earn his place after Pittsburgh lost rookie Kenny Pickett to concussion protocol in the first quarter.
Although he repeatedly moved the offense down the field, Trubisky couldn’t complete the mission. He had an impressive 276 yards as he completed 22 of 30 passes, but added three interceptions. All three were within scoring position.
Despite being at the bottom of the division, sportsbooks thought the Steelers had a real shot at winning. However, injuries, which are beginning to mount for all teams across the league, and mistakes made it impossible.
Pittsburgh’s season is pretty much over, especially considering they have to face the Ravens once more in Week 17 in another uphill battle. It’s time to regroup for next year and try to get back on track.
No Fin For The Dolphins
After losing last week to the Las Vegas Raiders, the L.A. Chargers needed to beat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday if they planned on entering the playoffs. It wasn’t going to be easy, but the defense was overwhelmingly successful. It only conceded two TDs to hold back the Fins 23-17.
They called this roughing the passer in the Dolphins vs Chargers game 😬 pic.twitter.com/nckIVuuo7T
— Sportsville (@Sportsville_) December 12, 2022
In a game that echoed the inconsistencies of NFL referees this season, Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa had a very difficult night. He only completed 10 of 28 passes for 145 yards, picking up a score along the way.
On the other side, Justin Herbert was completely in charge. He gave the Chargers 367 yards off 39 completed passes out of 51. To that, he added an aerial TD as he deftly controlled his offense and the game.
Miami has had a good run until now, but Tagovailoa’s performance showed that there’s still work to do. The Dolphins face the Buffalo Bills this coming Saturday, and that’s not going to be an easy game.
The Chargers are trying for a wild card spot, which isn’t going to come easily. The New England Patriots play the Arizona Cardinals tonight and, if they win, the Chargers can essentially consider their season over.
