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

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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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.

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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.