Tomlin’s Takeaway: avoiding the slow start
Let’s finally answer the question, how were the Steelers able to previously win against the Ravens? Pointing to the turnover differential is the easiest of them all.
Plus three on the day, LB Robert Spillane’s early pick-six would be the only points Pittsburgh would score as a team until the third quarter, which spurs this mystery even further. It’s also noteworthy that out of the two turnovers forced by the Steelers defense in the second half, they only answered with seven points.
Unable to find an offensive rhythm until late, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin mentions that besides familiarity with the skill players in Baltimore, they need to avoid another slow start.
Something that has seemed to plague this team all year, and most recently last week, the lack of execution to begin games is an issue. One that could follow them into the post-season & make for the worse situations, especially when playing the better teams, à la the Ravens.
They’re not a pushover group, and although things are currently grim, they could very well steal a win away from the Steelers, much like what happened in week eight.