Ravens-Steelers Match-Up: Why the Ravens WILL Win Friday, January 14, 2011 By Cassidy Higdon The Ravens-Steelers match-up is the best rivalry there is. - Google Advertising This Saturday, the Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh for the third time this season.  The game should be a drag-out, knockdown battle, and is expected to be the best rivalry in the NFL.  This the second such playoffs meeting in three years.   The Ravens’ and Steelers’ hard-hitting rivalry always produces some of the best games of the season, especially in the playoffs. Baltimore, however, has struggled in those games, going 0-2 versus the Steelers in playoffs encounters. This year, the Ravens plan to break that trend.  They have been regarded by many as the most dangerous team in the playoffs, and may have proved that by putting up the best wildcard round performance, smothering the Chiefs 30-7. In the past 17 meetings, the Ravens are 8-9 against the Steelers, but only 2-8 when facing Roethlisberger.  In that span, both teams have scored 302 points and have nearly identical yardage stats. The last four Ravens-Steelers games were all decided by three points, and six of the last seven by four points.  Unfortunately, the Steelers have taken five of those seven, including an AFC Championship win that led to a Superbowl title. However, the Ravens do appear to have a slight edge coming into the game: W.I.N. or “What’s Important Now”. The Ravens have so much to play for that they just cannot afford to lose. Cam Cameron’s job is most likely at stake, with his play-calling under heavy scrutiny all season long.  Bischotti is an owner who generally tries to please his fans; he would probably get rid of Cameron following almost any postseason loss. Ray Lewis’ clock is ticking fast as he’s currently playing out his 15th NFL season.  If the Ravens can’t manage a Superbowl win this year, there doesn’t seem to be a good chance for them to do so in the next few years.  Ray Lewis, as incredible as he is, just cannot sustain his level of play as he reaches older age and will have to hang up the towel. Ed Reed’s story is probably the most inspiring, as he is playing for his missing brother, Brian, who jumped into the Mississippi River to evade police last week.  Not only will he be fighting hard, but so will the rest of the Ravens’ tight-knit locker room.  History shows that players usually have great games after they experience a tragedy such as this.  Example: Brett Favre had arguably the best game of his legendary career the day after his father died. Finally, the Ravens have to prove to everyone that they can win when it matters and can overcome their hardships against the Steelers.  If the Ravens can pull out this victory, they can show everyone that they mean business and can beat Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another advantage Baltimore has is their play on the road recently, and Pittsburgh’s play at home. The Steelers this year are only 5-3 at home, which is not a great home field advantage.  This will give the Ravens confidence when the step onto Heinz Field. Also, Joe Flacco’s Ravens are 4-2 in the playoffs, playing every game on the road.  If Flacco wins this game, he will become the first quarterback in NFL History to win five road playoff games.  That is impressive; especially considering this is only his third pro season. The Steelers’ big-play weapon in Mike Wallace will have to show up for them to put the game away, but he has failed to do so in any of his games versus the Ravens, posting zero touchdowns in four games.  Lardarius Webb is a big part of that lack of stats, as he seems to make his best plays when lining up over Wallace.  That is great match-up to watch for. The Steelers will also have to watch out for Terrell “Sizzle” Suggs, who talks big and plays big against the Steelers.  On December 6, he had one of his best games of the season, constantly harassing Roethlisberger and sacking him twice.  He will be a big factor in Baltimore’s defensive play. An ESPN SportSNation poll showed that a majority of the world predicts this game to be a tight one.  They also see it as the best AFC rivalry.  Hopefully this game proves them right, and hopefully the Ravens walk away smiling. Trainers, get your ice-packs ready.  It’s going to be a long game.

Back to the articles list