RAVENS (8-6) VS. STEELERS (9-5)
SUNDAY, 4:30 P.M. ET, HEINZ FIELD, PITTSBURGH uTV: NFL NETWORK
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Doug Flutie, Heather Cox
About the Ravens: Down to their last chance to stay alive in the division and likely to make the playoffs at all, the Ravens seem to be made for this spot. Can they score enough to win here? QB and top WRs
and thrive on the big stage. The Ravens have been running the ball better, too, in recent weeks with RB
and rookie RB Coming off two uncharacteristic performances, the Ravens defense needs to turn in its best effort against a loaded, confident Steelers offense. One of the league’s best run defenses puts opposing quarterbacks in uncomfortable spots and brings rushers from all angles. CB missed last weekend’s game with an ankle injury and might not play again, but the Ravens trust in veterans such as S and OLB
to lead and produce. The Ravens are equipped for a four-quarter battle and know this game figures to come down to the final possession.
About the Steelers: Winners of five in a row, the Steelers have gotten back to playing solid defense and letting the running game drive the offense. QB can still fling it deep, but the Steelers have been more patient, more conservative and have allowed RB to do much of the heavy lifting. Despite serving a three-game suspension to start the season, Bell is a legitimate MVP candidate and is running behind a seasoned offensive line. LB
LB and S have stepped up for a defense that lost DE Terrance West has a career-best 729 rushing yards this season.
to a knee injury early in last weekend’s game. The Steelers need Tuitt, especially because this game figures to be decided in the trenches. The Steelers didn’t get their offense going until it was too late last time against the Ravens, so this time look for Roethlisberger to try to hit WR
early.
Suggs, playing
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
through a torn biceps, plays full speed on every play and is serving as a mentor to the team’s young defenders. The Steelers offensive line is playing with confidence and run blocking well. In passing situations, Suggs is the first Raven that they’ll be looking to block.
West has found a consistent role in his third NFL season. West has earned double-digit carries in three of the last four games and has caught 14 passes over the last four games. Though Dixon has been productive as well, West has finally earned the trust of his coaching staff and is the kind of powerful back who can grind out tough yards in a championship environment.
At 38, Steelers OLB played every defensive snap in last weekend’s win at Cincinnati. More than just an ironman, Harrison is still producing and figures to play a key role again this week and going forward.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Patience is a virtue: Bell is one of the NFL’s most patient and productive runners, and the Steelers need to follow Bell’s plan. If they can establish the run early, that will open things up in the passing game.
2. Joe Cool: The Ravens love Flacco’s makeup and follow his lead. He won’t be fazed in a difficult environment.
The Ravens trust K Steelers K had six field goals in last weekend’s win. But both teams don’t want to squander chances for touchdowns when they reach the red zone.
Zac Jackson