I tell you what we've learned from the Ravens so far.

1. Cam Cameron has lost his offensive playbook, and Ozzie gave him one of Brian Billick's old playbooks. C'mon Man!

2. Why do we give teams more credit that they deserve? We did it against the Colts and we continued to do it against the Stoolers.

3. Why don't we throw the ball more?

4. Rice is not the only offensive player we have. Spread it around and don't be predictable.

5. Where are the trick plays? This offense is too predictable.

I'm mad as hell that we did not score a touchdown to win the game, but settle for a tie in regulation. We need to put games away early when chances are presented to us. C'mon Man!

We learned that Pittsburgh Steelers stink! Did anybody even go to bed after this win? Its 2:07 am I am still up! I plan on celebrating into the wee hours of the morning, I will go to bed around 5am! Go Raven Go......Go Ravens Go!!

During the AFC Championship game the defense was missing chris mcalister and samurai rolle. The Ravens starting corners were Fabian Washington and a hurt Frank Walker and the Steelers offense only scored 16 points against a bang up Ravens defense. Peyton Manning should of lit the Ravens defense up last week, but he didn't did anyone question the Colts win.This isn't the first time a young Steeler QB did some damage against the Ravens defense. Remember in 2004 Ben Rothelisberger came off the the bench and went 12/20 176 2tds and 2ints.

How many close or ugly games the Steelers won last year?

the Ravens have found the winning formula to get to post season. Get the remaning 5 teams to start their 3rd string QB and have their best defensive player sit out the game. That shoud do it.

One INT, even though it was a key one, doesnt shed his bust label. After a few sacks then Kruger will not be considered a bust. If we cant beat the Steelers with their best players out we're going to get blown out Dec 27th if they both play

6. Playoffs aren't likely. If we had this much trouble on a beat up and missing Steelers team, how are we going to do when Ben Troy and Kemoeatu come back for the second game. Also if Dixon (one pass prior to this) can dominate Foxworth like he did, what's Aaron Rodgers going to do.....either way I will enjoy the victory today :)

Fritz,

Kruger was never a bust! First of all, why and when did he become a bust? Second of all, eat some humble pie my friend, Kruger is a rookie playing behind very seasoned players, he's green, so that means he's a bust? Third of all, who ever gave YOU the right to call someone a bust?

Cundiff came very close to missing that winning field goal. If Ozzie won't bring back Stover when Adam Venatieri returns to the Colts, at least try to sign him as a Special Teams coach. Maybe he can teach.

donot gloat, green bay in green bay next monday.need five wins to get in

Exactly right on all 5. If there were a 6th it would be that the one legged Steelers showed they were tougher, smarter, and better coached. But a win is a win. Hopefully we will regroup for the Paqckers.

Ron,

Good points. I would add another one to things we learned:
It's official! Ladarius Webb is a player. We know the impact he's made on special teams but what a job this guy did last night in coverage. He is a physical corner who likes to hit. He was a 3rd round steal! What a gamer!

5 Things we already know:

Pass rush is abyssmal
Foxhole is a backup at best
Mclain needs more carries
O-Line needs more practice
3rd down play calls are pathetic

Matt Stover as Special Teams coach ... now that is a great idea!

We learned that Pittsburgh Steelers stink! Did anybody even go to bed after this win? Its 2:07 am I am still up! I plan on celebrating into the wee hours of the morning, I will go to bed around 5am! Go Raven Go......Go Ravens Go!!

Posted by: Tim Lumber | November 30, 2009 2:11 AM
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Like the man wrote, let's see what happens on December 27th. My bet is you will be up late writing comments about how bad the Ravens stink after that game. Of course before then the Ravens will have an excuse as they will have been eliminated from the playoff race.

We also learned that this is still a talented team that is suffering from poor coaching. How else do you explain the same penalties each week; poor play calling on both sides of the ball; the inability to pick up "blitzes"; failure to pressure the QB and horrendous clock management, time outs, etc. This team may be in the playoff hunt, but right now they look more like "pretenders" than contenders! They may be the best mediocre team in football.......

I didn't get wound down enough to sleep until 4:00 a.m. Of course it's always good to beat the Steelers but why did it feel like a loss? The game was frustrating; reminiscent of when Billick was coach - no imagination, no fun. We don't often get the Steelers with this advantage - we should have trounced them. Worst of all I didn't sense the Ravens playing with any passion. The fans wanted the win badly, and as usual, the Ravens only play just enough to win - we let our opponents decide our level of play. Cam Cameron is lousy at play calling and our coaching staff is not disciplining the players for all the penalties. Come on Ravens.

Only thing I learned is that the Ravens won't be playing after January 3. If they can't beat a decapitated Pittsburgh on their home field by at least two touchdowns, fuhhhgedaboudit. Says here they lose to Green Bay and Pitt, end season 9-7.

Why are people calling Kruger a bust? It's his rookie year, big deal wait till at least his second year is over before throwing the bust label out there.

The win feels great, regardless if Roethlisberger and Polamulu were out. Dixon played better than anyone would've thought he could so I'm not feeling sorry for any Steelers fans.

I like the Ravens chances going into Green Bay, even as well rested as they are. Not gonna be easy but I think this win will give them momentum and it's a must win scenario next week, if they don't beat Green Bay they'll have to beat the Steelers in Pitt. Not easy to sweep your arch rival, especially if they're healthy.

Posted by: Phil Lacio | November 30, 2009 7:24 AM

6. Playoffs aren't likely. If we had this much trouble on a beat up and missing Steelers team, how are we going to do when Ben Troy and Kemoeatu come back for the second game.
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Given that logic, the Steelers are most certainly done too. How could they expect to make the playoffs after losing to the horrible Chiefs?? You see, it just doesn't work that way Phil.

Considering the runs McLain made earlier int he game we should have learned to use him on the final drive. We may have ended up in the endzone instead of tying.

Cundiff did his job last night although he was nearly spectacular on that long attempt. Had he made it no one would be asking for Stover.

On that note......Stover as the kicking coach is the best idea I have heard in a long time. He deserves that chance.

Sure glad T-Sizzle signed for the big bucks because he deserves every penny.......or maybe he deserves a penny. Is this our worst year for recording sacks since 1996?

Foxworth should have been sent in the same package as Hauschka.

It sure will be alot of fun watching Webb, Kruger and Rice for many years to come.

Thanks for the win guys! Makes the holiday season a bit sweeter.

How can a player, a rookie no less, be considered a bust if he wasn't even allowed to suit up for the first half of the season? Are you basing this on the collective wisdom of our coaching staff, who have been consistently outcoached by their better opponents this season?

I'm not saying that Kruger is ready for the hall of fame, but let's give him a chance to prove himself on the field for better or worse. It's not like every one of his teammates is having a career year this season.

it's a WIN. you play who's healthy, and the next team on the schedule. life could be worse. the ravens could be as putrid as the lions or browns. get a grip folks. sheesh.

I'll tell you what we learned. We learned that we are not going to be swept by the Steelers this season. Our problem isn't the Steelers, it's ourselves, we have not been able to carry momentum from one win to another, and right now it's crucial that we figure out how to do that, if not last night will be as close as we get to the super bowl this year.

The obvious is: 1. Webb belongs on the field, period. 2. John and Cam do not have the same mojo working that they had a season ago. 3. Flacco is going into the most difficult part of the season hiding an ankle injury that he suffered in Oct. 4. We still struggle finishing games. 5. We have to win at least 4 of the next 5 and possibly all 5, to even have a shot at the playoffs.

Huge win last night, but lets not get a Steeler hangover, there's more work to be done, and I think, we WILL make the playoffs this year.

Don't underestimate the morale value of this close win. Aside from kicking, the Ravens have played well enough to have a big year.

That it's just entertainment for the lowest common denominator population.

I was a basket case in over time watching Ray Rice run the ball for a shorter field goal attempt. Why did he have to repeatedly run the ball so Cundiff could make the field goal. The chance of fumbling the ball could have taken place. The difference in yardage was minimal.

we were missing suggs too. did everyone forget that?

special teams PENALTIES
special teams PENALTIES

The game would have been in hand without the now "usual" block in the back on nearly EVERY return which wiped out great field position and returns

Fine them for each return penalty and see how many we get going forward. I bet it goes down.

At this point of the year a win is a win. And as far as Big Ben and Troy being out there would have been a whole different game plan. This whole year I have been saying we need to blitz more and we finally did, maybe a little too much. But if their big 2 were playing we would have been more conservative in our blitzing and down field throws leading to a lower scoring game. And their defense is number one against the run while missing Troy for half their games and we still scorched them for 132. Stop with the excuses Steelers fans and I look forward to that Dec 27th matchup and watching you crawl and cry while leaving the stadium

Tell you what, Im glad all you clowns arent coaches, we would be the Browns again. any of you who know this game much less the Raven/Steeler Rivalry know that it doesnt matter who starts or who is in/out. Its gonna be a bloodbath from start to finish. Everyone is a Monday AM coach. Talk down on the fact that Big Ben isnt playing when their starter last night was the coveted Dixon, who had a passer rating over 135 in the third qtr, there are other rookie starter out there aside from Flacco and Ryan that can ball !! . You guys are not worthy of bring real ravens fans. Yeah we have our problems, namely the fact that we have been missing that intangible quality that makes teams push to finish drives and finish the ELITE TEAMS we fought hard enough to actually win, but they didnt. This win lastnight is the very thing that could push us to that next level. Would the REAL RAVENS FANS PLEASE STAND UP and the cornball nerds and overweight "wish i played ball" guys just put another drumstick in their yappers. Ravens are for real, just not perfect. Look at the Saints, they havent played a fraction of the talent that we have played this year. Put them in the playoffs today and see how they fair with an ELITE team. Record means nothing if we get in the post season. Its who has learned from their challenges, and I think we have learned volumes.

I would agree that Kruger is by no means a bust. As one reader stated he is playing behind a very good front three and four good linebackers. I’m guessing that Kruger’s selection was based on Ozzie’s philosophy of selecting the best player available regardless of the need. Jersey numbers don’t have the significance that they once did, except of course offensive linemen, but Kruger’s INT was not just a ball that fell into his hands; rather it was a good play. For a defensive lineman Kruger looked pretty good and more like a linebacker. Perhaps Kruger and Suggs could switch jersey numbers.

As for Stover, I doubt that he will be available if prior reports are accurate. Stover’s contract with the Colts is guaranteed. (see article by Ken Murray dated Nov 23). I guess they could still waive him, but it is more likely that he will be inactive if Venatieri does return this season. Granted, that last FG by Cundiff was close to being wide right, but his hurried 56 yard kick was dead center. From my view in front of the TV the kick looked like a game winner.

The Ravens seems to have found the answer to Fabian Washington in Ladarius Webb. Foxworth is another issue and hopefully he can learn to stay on his feet and get assistance from one of the safeties. What concerns me about Foxworth is that he gives receivers at least ten yards from the line of scrimmage and still gets beat down field, not to mention giving up five yards on the quick outs. I believe the defense will be as good as Mattison’s ability to execute a good D plan. As for the offense, it will go as far as Flacco can take them. One reader stated that perhaps Flacco could rest his injured ankle when the Ravens play the Lions, this sounds like an excellent idea.

It’s comforting to see that Ngata was part of the goal line offense, better late than never. As for the playoffs, it’s all about making it to the tournament, so if no other team wants the sixth seed in the AFC then by all means give it to the Ravens. Last year Arizona was 9 and 7 in the regular season and came within 35 seconds of winning the Super Bowl. Again, if no other team wants the trophy, give it to the Ravens.

Lastly, here is another conspiracy theory; we know that the Ravens played three teams that were coming off their bi-week, now the Ravens must play an away game against a team that has ten days to rest. I wonder if the NFL has also scheduled a cold front to hit Green Bay next Monday.

For how many more years are people going to make sarcastic comments about Billick's offense? We've seen now for 29 games with a new coaching staff that the offense still struggles to make big plays. And that's with a special (and healthy) multi-dimensional running back and a great young QB. Billick had scrap heap receivers, a banged up Jamal Lewis and a revolving door at QB for most of his tenure here. The plays you see made on the highlight shows are not the result of innovative play-calling -- they are made by better football players than the Ravens have had at the offensive skill positions for the majority of their existence. Other teams' wideouts make athletic plays that change games; we're happy in Baltimore when Mark Clayton catches a 15-yard pass and hits the ground without dropping the ball. Give him some wideouts and Cam Cameron will look like a genius -- just like Billick did in Minnesota.

I learned Ladarious Webb can play a little corner against the Steelers. I saw Joe Cool have more resolve to complete his passes to the primary route.I think I'm liking the new kicker,Cundiff.McClain can still bang down would be tacklers.Finally,those rally rags did'nt look too bad on tv.I'm not heaving one,though.

Growing up in Indiana, you learn early on that rivalry games are usually unpredictable. No matter if the entire starting five (in basketball), or half the offense or defense (in football) are sidelined due to injury or illness, you know in a rivalry game that all bets are off.

Doesn't matter if it's Indiana vs. Purdue, or at the high school level - if it's a rivalry game, don't count any chickens before the eggs are hatched.

Same with the Ravens and that rusty bucket of a team from west north west of here - if anyone tells you when the two teams clash, it doesn't meet the classic definition of a rivalry game (they hate each other, but still have respect for the other team), find out what they're smoking, as it is REAL wacky weed.

Cam Cameron has to call plays that will produce yardage instead of waisted flat passes and runs in the center of the line . He waists too many plays to set up good plays and we find ourselves with 3rd and 10 too many times . The Ravens can burn the opposition with good passing plays as they have proven so many times when we need a first down with long yardage and Flacco converts to a first down . Penelties also contribute to too many missed oppurtunities but there's not much that can be done about the refs calls . The Ravens can win most games but Cameron has to call better plays or if he can't let Joe call his own plays like Peyton Manning does . The quarter back is always in a better possition to call the plays as he is right there and sees all of the defenses .

#6 Harbaugh needs refresher on when not to call time outs. He messed us up last week with the time out before the challenge and this week when he called our last time out after the Steeler's three and out. That last time out could have helped Cundiff properly set up for his 50+ yarder and we would've have to go into OT. Get it together Billick oopps I mean Harbaugh.

One more thing we learned about the Ravens on Sunday night - they should be known as the "Ray"vens, since Ray Rice and Ray Lewis are their stars!

Good grief - I'll say it just in case no one else has. The Ravens won, and just barely, against a Steelers team with a quarterback who never played in the NFL - 3rd string.

Sorry.

The Packers are going to drop a butt-whuppin on you guys Monday night. The reasons are to numerous to mention but I'm predicting Finley, Mathews, Raji and Driver will all have big games.
I'm not sayin - I'm just sayin ......