Return of Key Players Offsets Losses of Ravens Quarterbacks

Ravens come away with key AFC North victory.
In this story:

BALTIMORE — The Ravens were down to their undrafted rookie, third-string quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, Baltimore had reinforcements at other spots on the roster and these players had a key role in the 16-14 victory.

Here is the Breakdown:

USATSI_19608070

Running back J.K. Dobbins

Last appearance: Week 6 vs. New York Giants

Injury: Knee

Impact vs. Steelers: Dobbins had a 44-yard run that set up his own touchdown run in the first quarter. Dobbins finished with a season-high 120 yards on 15 carries. He is not yet back to his rookie form because of the injury, but Dobbins revitalized a run game that struggled in recent weeks. 

Snaps vs. Steelers: 26 (43 percent)

USATSI_19607754

Safety Marcus Williams

Last appearance: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati

Injury: Wrist

Impact vs. Steelers: Williams had a key interception just outside the end zone that stalled a potential scoring drive. Despite missing seven games, he leads the Ravens with four interceptions. Williams is an impact player that will help provide a deeper foundation for the secondary, which has been susceptible to big plays this season. 

Snaps vs. Steelers: 54 (98 percent)

USATSI_11356365

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley

Last appearance: Week 11 vs. Carolina Panthers

Injury: Ankle

Impact vs. Steelers: Stanly's impact on the offensive line can not be overstated. He is playing at a Pro Bowl level when he is in the lineup and provides veteran leadership. With Stanley back in the lineup, the Ravens ran for 215 yards against a physical Pittsburgh defense. The key now is for Stanley to stay healthy for the final, playoff push. 

Snaps vs. Steelers: 61 (100 percent)


Published
Todd Karpovich
TODD KARPOVICH

Twitter: @toddkarpovich Email: todd.karpovich@gmail.com Skype: todd.karpovich Todd Karpovich has been a contributor for ESPN, Forbes, the Associated Press, Lindy's, and The Baltimore Sun, among other media outlets nationwide. He is the co-author of “If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box,” “Skipper Supreme: Buck Showalter and the Baltimore Orioles,” and the author of “Manchester United (Europe's Best Soccer Clubs).” Karpovich, a Baltimore native, is a graduate of Calvert Hall College high school, Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, and has a Masters of Science from Towson University.