Opportunity Knocks, Will Ravens answer?
AFC NORTH, who will reign supreme? This week at 4:15 pm Eastern time the NFL's #1 and #2 defenses bang helmets in Baltimore. Probably another Ravens vs Steelers brawl.
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The Flacco fueled offense is much improved especially by Ravens standards. Rookie QB Joe Flacco has been the steady hand they have never had in Ravens history. What makes him stand out is even when the offense is struggling they still have been managing a few drives and scoring enough points. Adding the 3 headed running back combo meal of McGahee, McClain, and Rice is also a force to reckoned with. The discomforting thought is Dick Lebeau will have the Steelers "D" ready and foaming at the mouth.
On the flip side everyone knows the Ravens defense does not like being second fiddle to their rival Steelers defense. They too will be poised to punch Ben and the boys in the mouth. The Ravens defense have scored 6 TD's this season also. Let's be honest these two teams know each other very well.
This game is crucial if the Ravens want to pull the AFC North Division Title from underneath the Steelers who hold a 1 game lead and a head to head win over the Ravens.
To win this game the Ravens will of course have to expect the status quo from their defense. And frankly the Steelers offense is not that threatening this year but nevertheless you can't let up on them. Offensively the Ravens need to establish ball control and score touchdowns with the few opportunities that will be presented to them. Pittsburgh has not allowed any team to gain 300 yards on offense this season. So chances will be few and need to be captured.
For a Ravens win they will need 20 points in my view. A few 8 minute drives that end in 2 TD's and couple field goals. Here is the deal though. They will probably not have any 80 yard drives so field position and ball controlled 45 yard drives will be vital. Also I think the defense will need some key turnovers. Ed Reed are you listening?
Unfortunately I see a Pittsburgh 27 to 13 victory. I fear the more seasoned Steelers will win a sloppy game.
Injury Front - as of 12/10
STEELERS
RB |
Calf |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
DE |
Knee |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
RB |
Not Injury Related |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
S |
Calf |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
DE |
Not Injury Related |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
T |
Back |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
CB |
Not Injury Related |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
WR |
Not Injury Related |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
|
RAVENS
WR |
Knee |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
WR |
Knee |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
S |
Illness |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
WR |
Shoulder |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
RB |
Not Injury Related |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
S |
Thigh |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
RB |
Calf |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
K |
Ankle |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
-- |
|
T |
Shoulder |
Limited Participation in Practice |
-- |
|
G |
Ankle |
Limited Participation in Practice |
|
By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Baltimore Ravens Correspondent