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Defense Propels Baltimore Ravens Over Pittsburgh Steelers in Wild Card

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By @ShaneRantSports

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Getty Images

It may have been the absence of Le’Veon Bell or it may have been a little bit a luck. Heck, it could have been a gaggle of excuses, but there is no doubt that the Baltimore Ravens’ defense is a big reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers lost the first AFC Wildcard game.

From start to finish, it was a defensive masterpiece as it could have easily been a blowout in favor of the Steelers.

30-17 was the final score as Baltimore booked its ticket to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots next Sunday.

Had it not been for three consecutive stands from the Ravens’ defense in the first half, it would have been Pittsburgh heading to Denver. The Ravens held the Steelers to three field goals in the first half and only nine points as they really felt the absence of Bell. Ben Roethlisberger really felt the added pressure as he was sacked five times compared to only 3 in the last five games.

Clearly, it was the Baltimore defense the paved the way to victory with two interceptions, five sacks and only 68 rushing yards. The offense only combined for 295 yards while Justin Forsett’s fumble contributed to Pittsburgh’s only touchdown. For much of the game, no team really controlled the score, but Baltimore’s defense proved stout throughout and will be the key factor to success through the playoffs.

It will be no easy task for the Ravens to return to the Super Bowl since they have to win on the road the whole way, but the defensive performance at Heinz Field was a great sign. However, if the offense does not get on board, Forsett doesn’t run the football, and they don’t successfully execute on offense, Baltimore will be heading home.

Shane Phillips is an NFL Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

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