9-4 - and the Ravens!

STH goes 9-4 on the season prognostication.  Let's look at the Ravens match up:

Most people are picking a low scoring game of attrition.  While this will be a violent game, it will have plenty of offense.

When the Steelers are on O

1.  You don't run on the Ravens, unless you are the Giants. The Steelers typically do not run well against the Ravens.  Parker has been stymied by the Ravens.  The Steelers running game will average 3.0-3.4 yards per carry for 18-24 carries.  They just need to keep the Ravens honest on D.  If they get just one big play in the run game, that will be a bonus.

2.  The Steelers typically pass well against the Ravens, when Ben is not getting his clock cleaned.  Protection is huge in this game, but not throwing INTs is even bigger.  The Steelers WRs and TEs can work against the suspect Ravens secondary (Reed excluded).  Homes and Ward should have good games against the starting corners.  Washington should have a good game working against the nickle corner.   The Steelers need to hang points on this D early, and make Flacco come from behind.  Look for Holmes and Washington deep in the 1st half.  After getting a lead, the Steelers need to dink and dunk with some runs mixed in to bleed the clock and keep the D fresh.  If the Steelers surrender 2 sacks or less, then they'll blow this game open.

When the Steelers are on D

1.  McLain is the most dangerous back on the Ravens vs the Steelers.  Rice is out, and McGahee is OK.  The Steelers typically shut down power running games, and they need to against the Ravens.  They need to make the Ravens O one dimensional.  If the Steelers can keep the number of Ravens runs to under 25, they stand a good chance of winning.  If the Ravens get over 25 carries, that means they are controlling the ball and tiring the Steeler D.

2.  Flacco is a very good rookie, and the Steelers cannot afford to think he'll play like one (or like Romo).  He plays very well with Mason, and that will be the challenge for the Steelers. In 3rd and 6-10, Mason will be the #1 option.  The Steelers need to shut him down on 3rd to force the punt.  If the Steelers can get 4 or more sacks, then they will stymie the Ravens D and create key  turnovers.  If they can't pressure Flacco, he'll make some plays.  Look for a new offensive wrinkle from Cam Cameron this game.

Wrap-up

This game comes down to who passes the best.  I'll go with Ben and the Steelers receivers over Flacco and the Ravens receivers.  Look for big plays in the first half, and look for Flacco to turn the ball over in the second half as he tries to play catch-up.

In the preseason prognostication I said this:

It seems the Ravens are therapeutic for the Steelers.  I think Flacco will be starting by this time in the season, and they abuse the rookie.  Steelers 34-10 with a 10-4 record.

 

The Ravens are better than expected at this point.  I still think the Steelers win this going away:  27-13 Steelers.