GAME 4 PREVIEW: HERE WE GO AGAIN

The Baltimore Ravens stroll into Pittsburgh for a Monday Night rumble

It always seems like the week can't go by fast enough after a loss doesn't it? Living out here in the Philadelphia area, I have had an interesting contrast of the concept of time. The well represented Steelers faithful are anxious to re-right the ship against a young but maturing Baltimore rival. And the Eagles fan base is still basking in the impressive defensive performance and a much needed win to stay within reach of Dallas and the NY Giants. And they value this win, because Eagles fans genuinely appreciate they just beat a very good team. They do not want to see the Steelers O-line as defecient but they want to hope their defense is just that good. Steelers fans pray it is something in between and something that can be fixed starting this week.

And why not on the mother of all stages. Obviously excluding post season, Monday Night Football is the premier game of every week. For Pittsburgh this is a chance to show the rest of the league that last week was not as bad as it looked. And the Ravens are the perfect blank canvas in which to paint that picture on. For one because they, like Philadelphia can play some high level defense and you will have to earn every yard let alone points. And secondly every division game is huge but especially the one on your turf.

When Baltimore has the ball you can expect them to want to establish the run. And they have Willis McGahee who is capable of breaking the big one and grinding it out. He is a slower Willie Parker in many ways. And slower is a relative term since McGahee has legitimate speed to the outside. But the Steelers have the personnel to keep him under wraps. And despite not having Brett Keisel (DE) and Casey Hampton (DT) available I believe they can resist the bull dog style rusher Le'Ron Mclain who has emerged as a solid back in his 3rd year. In Pittsburgh stopping the run is always as simple as execution because the defense has the scheme, the personnel/talent, the leadership and the expectations to dominate or at least control the line of scrimmage while on defense.

Add the fact that Baltimore is grooming a rookie QB named Joe Flacco. The kid has some spunk and has played an inspired brand of football. His willingness to sacrifice his body under pressure and even in down field blocks has opened the eyes and has won the respect of his entire team. He also has a big time arm. So he should not be taken lightly. However Pittsburgh, an already frenzied defense, should take a page from their game in Philly and from the Dolphins assault of Matt Cassell in New England last week. Joe Flacco has not seen a defense like the Steelers. It should be noted however though he does practice against a defense so Dick Lebeau needs to show Flacco some LeBeau-nofied wacky coverages and blitz packages. I expect some turnovers. 3 to be exact.

When Ben takes the field he better have a more aggressive and confident offensive line. Hopefully watching themselves get toasted and treated like a revolving door in Philadelphia got their attention to re-think their technique and determination. To complicate matters a bit they won't be blocking for Willie Parker. So why we all expect Rashard Mendenhall to get the nod, I'm not so sure they won't amp up Mewelde Moore's carries instead. This is not my preference but so far in tight or pivotal situations the Bruce Arians and the Steelers have called on the big rookie out of Illinois. So while I think they may give him some carries I think Moore is going to get his share. Even with Mendenhall listed as the #2 man I predict a little caution. Of course if he comes out and busts a couple huge runs all bets are off. Realistically the Ravens are not known for giving up many rushing yards either. Although last week statiscally Jamal Lewis of Cleveland, was having a decent game for the Browns against the Ravens.

The Steelers will need to throw the ball though. And the Ravens secondary is very good. The linebackers can be exposed in coverage in my humble opinion. Ray Lewis still carries a sledge hammer but I think he is a little conservative in his coverage. Epecially if you can get a back or Heath Miller to slide between the numbers and expose the middle of the Ravens defense. Ben needs to unload the ball quicker and hit some slants early.

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All in all I think if the Steelers can jump out to a 10 point lead and drop the hammer on Flacco because the Ravens feel the need to throw more to catch up, the Steelers will control the flow of the game. Baltimore also has been successful at using the clock as their friend. So Pittsburgh needs to sustain a few 7 -8 minute drives. Also Baltimore thrives on mistakes. They have intercepted a pass in 8 straight games now. So the Steelers cannot afford a turnover. The Ravens are also very good at turning turnovers into points.

In the end I see Pittsburgh getting the much needed win by a 23 - 13 score. This is the kind of game a Super Bowl contender wins.

> Also check out our Ravens @ Steelers preview from the Pro Football Fans Baltimore Ravens Correspondent!

By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent