Steelers’ AFC North Rival Baltimore Ravens Display Big-Time Issues In NFL Season Opener

The Pittsburgh Steelers are well aware that the AFC North is likely going to be the toughest division in all of professional football in 2024, and maybe for years to come. All four teams finished above .500 in 2023 despite several injuries at the quarterback position. Three of the organizations went to bed happy on Thursday night after the Baltimore Ravens fell to the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20, in the NFL's season opener on NBC. Pittsburgh has owned the Ravens recently, having seven wins and just one loss in the franchises' last eight matchups. The two won't meet until Week 11, which seems like years away.

There were several things to take away from the game. The easy one was that the Buffalo Bills may have devastated the entire AFC allowing the Chiefs to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Xavier Worthy. As far as it goes for Baltimore, there were several glaring issues. It was almost a miracle that they were in the contest until quite literally the last second.

Isaiah Likely's performance was the least of the Ravens' problems, however. The Steelers' biggest rival in the 21st century has plenty to work on during the mini bye before Week 2.

1.) Offensive Line Issues

It wouldn't be surprising if anyone lost count of just how many times Baltimore was called for illegal formation on Thursday evening. It was astonishing to see the officials crack down on such an infraction. There were four calls in the first half alone, which had Head Coach John Harbaugh livid on the sideline. To be fair, it did seem like the calls were a bit one-sided, but the Ravens never adjusted.

Additionally, big-time free-agent acquisition Derrick Henry only averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Lamar Jackson was running for his life and while he had a phenomenal game on the ground showcasing his legs, that won't last for an entire season. Baltimore has some significant problems to work out in this area if it would like to contend going forward.

2.) Game Management

The Ravens utilizing two timeouts early in the second half could have very well cost them the opportunity to win the game. It's hard to predict if the contest would have turned out a different way, but it can't be ignored that Harbaugh wasn't on the top of his coaching approach during the big game. Steelers fans are familiar with this as Mike Tomlin often has clock management problems.

On top of the questionable timeout usage, Jackson and the offense were constantly working the play clock down to the final second or so. The unit was even flagged for a delay of game in the matchup. The offense certainly seemed a little out of sorts throughout, which can be fixed, but it's a concerning part of the contest that can easily be emphasized.

3.) Talking The Talk, But Not Walking The Walk

Likely was quoted after the game while being interviewed that it was the worst game the Ravens would play all year long, and wished the Chiefs, the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions, luck in the postseason. On top of that Roquan Smith had some words for Peyton Hendershot, who allegedly shoved him after a play out of bounds. Those were interesting words from Smith, especially after he was involved in two questionable hits on Patrick Mahomes near the sidelines.

Steelers' Brutal Schedule Makes Early-Season Mistakes Inexcusable

Pittsburgh has an unfortunate stretch of games, particularly at the end of the 2024 season. The Ravens and Chiefs will be featured a total of three times in November and December, which is hard enough, but not the entire story for Tomlin and co. Coming out flat like Baltimore did against Kansas City will lead to a rough season overall, so Week 1 needs to see the Steelers already be in mid-season form.

Do you think that the Steelers' AFC North rival in the Ravens looked sloppy on Thursday night? Let us know in the comments below!

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