Ravens vs Steelers: More Info
By Joe Barnes
I know there was a post up already about the game, but this is some more info, and some Ravens blogs’ takes on the game.
Ravens Gab posted a good, long preview for the game, worth reading.
From seeing the Steelers and the Ravens play the last few weeks, I see the Ravens winning this one at home, but there are a few questions I have from the first game.
How will the Ravens keep Joe Flacco from making rookie mistakes again against Jerome Harrison and the Steelers’ pass rush? Against the Giants, with a talented pass rusher Justin Tuck, Flacco did not look good, and since then, in games against Washington, Philly and Cincy, there was no stud pass rusher putting pressure on Flacco. The o-line has been a little banged up lately, too, don’t be surprised to see Haloti Ngata in that much.
How will Ray Rice’s injury impact the offense? Rice has emerged as a versatile back for the Ravens, especially contributing catching out of the backfield. McGahee has been showing signs of improvement, which is exciting, but it seems like a gamble to rely on him that much right now. If Willis starts to get shut down, Le’Ron McClain could get his biggest workload of the season.
Will Ed Reed continue to bring his A game? Reed has been on fire the last few games, snatching 4 interceptions in the last 3 games (2 vs Washington, 2 vs Philly) This stretch has been one of the best of his career, including his record-breaking 108-yard INT return for a TD. If he can get pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and make plays in the secondary, the Ravens could come away with this win without scoring many points on offense.