Coach John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens, who struggled in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals amid the distraction of Ray Rice's suspension, laced up their cleats and persevered last night against Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore's tough front seven shut the Steelers down as QB Joe Flacco toppled Pittsburgh 26-6 on Thursday night.
Ray Rice, who was expected to be Baltimore's work horse yet again this season, was let go this week after disturbing new developments in his domestic violence case.
But that didn't stop coach John Harbaugh from shoving the ball down Pittsburgh's throat last night. Quarterback Joe Flacco has been working hard to confound the perception that the Ravens' defense is all they have going for them (via CBS Pittsburgh):
"Joe Flacco threw the ball 62 times in Week 1, the same number he threw in the opener last year, a season in which only five players attempted more passes."
With their newfound offensive firepower and Roethlisberger's struggles against Baltimore's pass rush, the outcome last night was much different than these two teams' last dozen or so showdowns, which were all decided by three points or less (via Washington Post):
"The Ravens broke the trend of close games against their biggest rival by delivering a 26-6 beatdown to the Pittsburgh Steelers in front of an announced 71,181 at M&T Bank Stadium and a prime-time television audience."
Even though Flacco lost Rice, he has enjoyed his favorite new aerial weapon, long-time Carolina Panther Steve Smith, Sr. If he keeps connecting with Smith, and the Ravens' imposing defense keeps shutting opponents down, look for Baltimore to be serious contenders in the AFC North this year.
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