And In The End.....

Well, that was certainly a disappointing end to the Steelers season last night at Heinz Field.  

Here are my thoughts on the game....

• Le'Veon Bell was surely missed. 
• Dri Archer stinks.
• Not having to worry about a weapon like Bell, the Ravens were free to concentrate on teeing off on Ben Roethlisberger and blanketing the receivers, and that is exactly what they did.
• Having had what might be the best season that a Steelers QB has ever had, Ben was surely off the mark last night.
• Stupid, stupid, STUPID personal foul penalties.

But in the end, it was the defense that cost this game for the Steelers.  After forcing Baltimore to go three-and-out and punt on their first possession, the Steelers did not stop the Ravens once (the kneel down at the end of the first half doesn't count) until late in the fourth quarter, at which point this one was pretty much decided.  This is not to let Roethlisberger and the offense, which settled for FG's instead of TD's early on, off the hook, but this one falls on the Steelers defense.

Oh, and the Ravens were pretty good last night.  They thoroughly earned this win.

Looking back, eleven wins, a division title, and a trip to the Playoffs were more than most people expected this year from this bunch, but getting bumped in the first round always leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth.

Forty-five days until pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton.