Writers from around Tribune Co. discuss the most surprising aspects of a very entertaining first week of the NFL season. Check back throughout the day for more responses and weigh in with comments of your own.
Ron Fritz, Baltimore Sun
Without question, the biggest surprise of the first week was the Baltimore Ravens' beatdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers, 35-7. The Ravens forced seven turnovers, a team record, and took away the Steelers' will at every turn.
It was a stunning victory. Yes, the Ravens were at home and were slight favorites, but a Joe Flacco-led team had never beaten a Ben Roethlisberger-led team. Two of the last three seasons the Steelers knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs.
The Ravens crushed the Steelers in every way possible -- on offense, defense and special teams. The Ravens' new offensive line? Baltimore rushed for 170 yards and Flacco threw three TDs and was sacked just once. On defense, Terrell Suggs (three sacks) made Roethlisberger his personal tackling dummy.
This isn't going to sit well in Pittsburgh. The rematch is Nov. 6.
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Photo: Members of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate an interception of a pass by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, kneeling at right. Credit: Nick Wass / Associated Press
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