Not the crack-pot stuff from the crazies on the message boards, this is from the guys who get paid...
Ken Murray, reporter: Ben Roethlisberger doesn't own the Ravens any longer. He was reduced to a middling, mistake-prone quarterback Sunday, incapable of making the plays he once tormented the Ravens with. The Steelers were a step slow on every big play, and when they couldn't intimidate the Ravens, they knew they were done. Consider the table turned. The Ravens are the team to beat now. It's downhill from here for the Steelers.
Edward Lee, reporter: Maybe there is something to the Steelers' fall from grace after Super Bowl appearances. Pittsburgh looked flat and incapable of executing its offense, while the Ravens flexed their muscles early and often. Fortunately for Ravens fans, the team avoided the epic second-half collapse that it absorbed in the AFC divisional playoff loss to the Steelers.
Chris Korman, Ravens editor: Though a long season full of good times and bad still awaits, Ravens fans could not have hoped for a better beginning to the latest quest for a Super Bowl title. Even the most cautious of fans will admit that the Ravens are at once more dynamic in what they can do on the field and more composed in how they deal with the emotions of the game. Veterans newcomers such as left tackle Bryant McKinnie, fullback Vonta Leach and safety Bernard Pollard all made significant contributions with their play. More than that, though, their presence seemed to keep the Ravens from faltering at points when the game could have turned. Finally, the Ravens did not cower below Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
Kevin Van Valkenburg: This wasn't just a victory, it was a statement. The Ravens made the Steelers look old, slow, frustrated and miserable. It was as close to perfect as they could ask for. With all the disappointment of previous years in this rivalry, this game had to feel cathartic for the Ravens and their fans.
Don't have an issue with most it, but I'm going to keep an eye on Mr. Murray during the season to pay attention to how much Kool-Aid he keeps drinking .
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