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Steelers vs. Ravens, Week 9: Knee Jerk Reactions to the Steelers’ 23-16 in Baltimore

One BTSC writer shares his real-time, initial thoughts of the Steelers’ rematch with the Ravens.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

After an emotion-filled win over Cleveland, the Steelers look to really roll at the half-way point of their season if they could just exorcise demons against a bitter rival in a tough place to play. If you want to know how my emotions fluctuated throughout the day, keep on reading.

Nonetheless, a simple reminder, a knee jerk reaction is an immediate and unthinking, emotional reaction. It’s basically shooting first and apologizing later. I can safely say that’s a true definition of your’s truly and a good lot of Steeler Nation. Here’s my real-time reactions during the Steelers’ most recent quest for redemption.

Quarter 1

  • .They need to get off of the field without yielding points on this first drive.
  • Burnett was way out of position on the first down to Andrews.
  • Even though the Ravens recovered, the botched handoff from Lamar Jackson could neutralize him going forward.
  • Tuitt’s sack won’t count. He was offsides.
  • They are bringing pressure and it’s their best bet to make a difference.
  • I like Ben’s “stronger then hate” shoes. Nice tribute.
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
  • If they can get Conner going early, it will help set up the pass.
  • I wonder if Big Ben sees TSizzle in his dreams.
  • Not a fan of runs on third and long.
  • That pooch punt was Berry-like. I’d rather them had gone for it.
  • I’m glad Kay Jewelers allowed me to miss a big Raven gain.
  • Hilton May be 5’9”, but he plays huge.
  • Holding them to three is huge.
  • James Washington needs a catch bad, but that was no way the rookie’s fault.
  • Gotta love “Toe Tap Tony”.
  • I’d love to see a TD here, but one to No. 13 would be awesome.
  • Thought that was going to be a pick six.
  • Pretty touchdown for James Conner. Nice assist by the Vanimal.
  • AB’s finger needs to be okay.

Quarter 2

  • A good First Quarter for Pittsburgh. Need to keep it going.
  • They seem better prepared for Jackson this time.
  • A short pass third and long by BMore, glad to see another fan base shake their heads in disbelief.
  • Washington is emerging.
  • The line really won that first down. Good hole for JC.
  • They aren’t going for it. Just looking to draw a penalty.
  • Glad I was wrong.
  • Love that drive. Love AB getting involved.
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
  • Was surprised they called that on Edmunds.
  • That really could have been a roughing call. Ben got walloped by Onwuasor.
  • Really missed an opportunity on that drive. JuJu can’t drop those.
  • The Steelers need to keep them pointless up to the half.
  • Bud Dupree was definitely held there.
  • No worries. Vance was down.
  • Good half.

Quarter 3

  • A head shot is not equal to a hold.
  • JuJu got crushed.
  • Good blitz pick up by the Steelers.
  • With JuJu out, switcher and Washington you can come up big.
  • ABC. AB=Clutch.
  • Good to see No. 19 back.
  • A touchdown here could be a killer.
  • I love when my predictions are wrong. Conner is closing in on the century mark.
  • Amazing drive. That’s where deferring works perfectly.
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
  • Well looks like the prediction on Boswell’s being back was wrong.
  • These teams are getting real chippy with each other now.
  • It’s a shame that pick is getting negated. That could have really squashed the Ravens.
  • With the lead only seven, the Steelers are approaching the danger zone.
  • Bud Dupree has really come alive. He’s becoming an asset.

Quarter 4

  • Third and 23. Gotta stop them here.
  • Should have had good field position, but the field just got flipped big time.
  • They need a clock-killing drive here.
  • Offensive PI. This officiating crew is awful.
  • Josh Dobbs. Wow!!!
  • Ben is a cowboy. Damaged, dinged but always rides.
  • The Outlaw steals the show. I love Jesse James.
  • Boswell needs to rebound here.
  • And he does. Nice!
  • Tomlin has these guys feeling it. He deserves more credit.
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
  • Davis is having another nice game.
  • TJ Watt just decimated Crabtree. Lucky that play didn’t net a first down.
  • 5:23 left. Need to go to clock drain mode while remaining aggressive.
  • Matt Feiler has really worked his way well on this line.
  • Four 100-yard games in a row for Conner. Wow!
  • Huge third down.
  • AB is a huge player.
  • So is Ben and JuJu.
  • They need to convert again on third down to ice this game.
  • That was a coverage sack. Smart by Ben to take it.
  • :57 seconds. Never easy.
  • Coty needs to catch those. Nice game by him though.
  • Nix got blocked in the back. Not called. Really?
  • Tuitt has really come alive.
  • Dupree...Oh no!
  • Great team win. But better yet, a complete game.

...

So...now as I replay the game more and more in my head, my perceptions and maybe my prescriptions will alter. But for now, you just got a glimpse of the first thoughts that popped in my mind while I was watching this game. Feel free to get your knee jerks on in the comments section.