Ravens Vs. Steelers: What To Look For

The Pittsburgh Steelers are making their annual trip to Baltimore for what is sure to be a great game. War will be raged tomorrow as the NFL’s best rivalry will take center stage in M&T Bank Stadium. While watching the game tomorrow, keep these things in mind.

1. Offensive line

Without a doubt, this is the Ravens Achilles heel. I’ve been telling you to watch the O-line all preseason and that won’t change anytime soon. The line that’s starting tomorrow has never played a snap together during a game. That’s something to worry about if you ask me. Not to mention that Matt Birk is 35 years old and nursing a knee injury and we have yet to see Bryant McKinnie’s game shape. There’s also this guy named James Harrison who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He wears number 92 and from what I hear, he’s pretty good at rushing the passer. The Ravens line does have somethings going for them. Ben Grubbs and Marshall Yanda are two excellent guards and Michael Oher has been moved back to right tackle where he found success during his rookie season. It will be interesting to see how the line holds up against a tough Steelers D.

The Steelers have also had offensive line troubles. Suffering from several injuries last year, the line saw all sorts of changes but still managed to make it to the Superbowl. Haloti Ngata will be sure to draw some double teams and T-Sizzle should make his presence known on the edge. Make sure to keep and eye on the trenches as that is where this game will be won.

Continue reading for the rest of “What To Look For”…

2. Cornerbacks

I’m sure everyone remembers the 3rd and 19 Antonio Brown catch from last years Divisional playoff game (sorry for bringing it up again). The Ravens secondary has been to blame for many losses and the team has taken notice by drafting CB Jimmy Smith in the first round of this years draft. While either Smith or Dominique Foxworth, who returned this year after an ACL injury, will be starting at right cornerback, Cary Williams will get the nod on the other side. Williams had an impressive preseason and will face the biggest test of his career. One things for sure, I feel much more comfortable with our corners this year than I did last year. They’ll have their hands full with the speedy Mike Wallace along with the newly acquired Jerricho Cotchery and the youngsters Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown.

Although the Steelers secondary is not perfect, they’re definitely the most exploitable on defense. Lee Evans will be the X factor in this game as his speed makes him a deep threat that must be accounted for. The Ravens also have a young tightend in Ed Dickson who has showed his athleticism in previous Steelers matchup. Ray Rice is always a threat receiving and he will even line up as a wide out at times. But in order for them to make plays, another Raven will have to be on the top of his game…

3. Joe Flacco

Need I say more? Flacco will have to bring his A game if he hopes to beat the Steelers. He has shown that he can make plays against the Steelers with his game winning touchdown last year to Houshmanzadeh, but he needs to keep composure throughout the whole game. We know what he can do, but we haven’t seen him do it for a full sixty minutes against the Steelers. He needs to show poise in the pocket and make good decisions. Blitz pickup is incredibly important as that is what lost the game for the Ravens last year when Troy Polamalu caused a sack fumble when Ray Rice didn’t pick him up. There’s no question in my mind that Joe Flacco will be the won to win or lose this game.

Please follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for all news, NFL and Ravens. Also, make sure to +1 our articles!