Ravens Week!!

 Let's look back at the win in TB before moving forward.

1.  Batch played well, but those two deep balls were really gambles.  Don't think that those types of throws will consistently work against the Ravens - even without Reed.

2.  The run game looked excellent.  That is the big story coming out of the win @ TB.  The rush average was stellar, and they closed the game out in the second half with time consuming drives based on the run.  Get the lead with the pass - salt the game away with the run.  Sounds awfully familiar...

3.  What can you say about the defense?  The best in the league.

Now - let's look at Sunday.

The Ravens Offense
The Ravens offense is rarely prolific against the Steeler D, especially in Pittsburgh.  Will that change with a slew of new weapons?  No.  This offense is averaging about 14 points per game with the entire starting offense in place.  The premier weapon for the Ravens vs Pittsburgh is Ray Rice.  His running ability and agility is space is exceptional.  I expect Timmons to completely contain Rice, if he plays.  Timmons has quietly stifled opponent running games and his speed and explosiveness can match Rice in the flat.

Bert  Flacco has never excelled against the Steelers in the pass, and I don't expect that to change.  With a combination of pass rush and games in coverage, Lebeau's unit will frustrate Flacco all day.  I look for Woodley to abuse Yanda routinely, which will force Baltimore to slide protection to the right.  This will leave Silverback with a one-on-one with Oher.  Look for further abuse there too.  This is why Boldin won't be a huge difference maker.  They can't protect both sides and still pressure the secondary.

When the Ravens go into the unbalanced offensive set, that use to be a strength.  The Steelers can counter with a four DL unit by adding Ziggy to the starting three DL and pulling out a CB (not needed).  I don't think that this set will be consistently successful against the Steelers.

Bottom line:  Ravens score three times for less than 14 points.

Ravens Defense
This defense feasted on Sanchez, Palmer and Wallace.  They did not contain Hillis.  They have produced only 1 turn over in three games.  Pardon me if I'm not impressed yet.  I think the Ravens defense is ripe for abuse this week.  Keep in mind that the Steelers have done it before to this defense.  Without Reed and with a bit of a banged up defense, there are holes to be exploited.  The running game for the Steelers will not be hugely effective.  If the Steelers can average 3.5-4.0 yds per carry, that will be enough to keep Baltimore honest.  Carr and Washington will struggle against Wallace and Ward. 

With Batch in, look for the pass to dominate the play calling.  This is how to beat the Ravens - you can't make a living running on them.  You need to pass to set up the occasional run.  With Ward, Wallace, Heath and Mendy, there will be more than enough options to break the secondary.  I think pass protection will be good enough to buy time for the short passing game, and an occasional deep ball.

Bottom line:  Steelers score four times for less than 24 points.

20-13 Steelers and they enter the bye @ a remarkable 4-0.

Steelhead