It’s Time For The Real Baltimore Ravens To Stand Up

Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh watches during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh watches during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens Must Show Up For Their Showdown With The Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens will beat the Pittsburgh Steelers if the right Baltimore Ravens team shows up. You see, the Ravens seemingly have two versions of themselves. The good version boasts a stingy defense, a will to win and an offense that does just enough. The bad version of the purple and black features a timidly conservative offense, that ignores the running game and gets shut down by their incompetence.

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The frustrating version of the Ravens practically beats themselves. Carson Wentz had an less than compelling performance and the Eagles still managed to be one play away from victory.

In one game this season, both versions of the team showed up. In week 2, the Cleveland Browns jumped out to a 20-2 lead. Baltimore then shut the Browns out for the next three quarters and put up 25 points. Their comeback win was an inspired effort, but it was a very early sign of trouble.

The Ravens have beaten the weaker teams on their schedule, with the exception of the inexplicable loss to the Jets. The Ravens lost to the Oakland Raiders, who have 11 wins now. Baltimore could not overcome the playoff bound New York Giants or the number one seeded New England Patriots. In some of the Ravens wins against weaker teams, the bad version of the team showed up; they just got away with it.

Against true contenders, the good Ravens have not shown up this season. The only contender the Ravens have beaten with conviction is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers of course have had many problems as well this season.

The Bottom Line

That brings us to today. Will the Ravens bring their A game against the likes of Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger? If the Ravens put their best foot forward, here is what will go down. Le’Veon Bell will be shut down. Pass rush will over compensate for the loss of Jimmy Smith. Flacco will be aided by the running game and will shred the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary. The Baltimore Ravens are incredibly capable.

Next: 5 Key Stats For Ravens Battle With Steelers

This game matters to much for the Ravens to tippy-toe into Heinz Field. Just like Brian Billick alluded to in the Ravens first Super Bowl run, you have to go into these games determined and on a mission. Heinz Field is John Harbaugh’s lions den. He has to get his team kicking and screaming and ready to go. The purple and black should be ready and if they are, they win this game.