35-7, in the type of game that made observers league wide question if the Steelers had finally fallen from the AFC elite. That question can be held for a later date. The Steelers have proven they are still one of the best teams in the league, finishing with a 12-4 record identical to the Ravens. But this year, with a 23-20 win in Pittsburgh on November 6th, the Ravens swept the Steelers for the first time since 2006 (that year keeps coming up.) And therefore the division crown and first round bye was delivered to Baltimore.
This is obviously the least favorable match up for the Ravens. The two teams are built so similarly, are both so physical, and always play each other at a playoff level of intensity, even in the regular season. Both defenses have been absolutely smothering. And both offenses have been good, but not great. The Steelers have actually transformed from a pounding, running style, to very much a passing offense. And regardless of how much you dislike him, Pro Bowl QB Ben Roethlisberger has been outstanding. This is the team that actually looks like a playoff team. The Ravens will have their hands full, and I'm sure they will be plenty of talk about how hard it is to beat a team three times in a season. But I don't buy that. I feel much more comfortable with the Ravens taking on the Steelers with the two wins already in their back pocket.
On offense, Roethlisberger, has at his disposal some great receiving threats in Pro Bowler Mike Wallace, and the lightening quick Antonio Brown. Brown was voted the Steelers MVP by his fellow teammates this year after breaking the franchise single-season record for all-purpose yards with 2,048. He will be returning kicks at the Pro Bowl. RB Rashard Mendenhall tore an ACL in the season finale against Cleveland, and has been placed in injured reserve. Issac Redman and John Clay will be taking the carries for the playoffs. I really don't see the injury affecting the Steelers all that much, with their propensity for passing and the fact that Mendenhall is a very good back, but certainly not irreplaceable.
When it comes to defense, there is no argument. The Steelers have one of the very best units in the league. There was talk they were old and slow at the start of the season. They have more than silenced those thoughts. The unit finished ranked first in the NFL, and has playmakers all over the field. Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu seems to always be a game wrecker against the Ravens (who can forget his game-winning strip sack of Joe Flacco in last years week 13 meeting?) OLB James Harrison has been doling out big-hits (legal or otherwise,) and it looks like they will get back pass rushing OLB Lamar Woodley for the playoffs, who has been battling a hamstring injury. They get great pressure on opposing quarterbacks which really benefits their pass defense. Believe it or not, the Steelers actually finished with a better rated pass-defense than they did run-defense. But anyway you look at it, this is a tough unit.
Overall this will be a great match up, and a great event for the fans. I would expect this game to be classic Ravens-Steelers, coming down to the last minutes. And if this match up happens, the Ravens will be damn sure happy they have that homefield advantage.
Here's how the Steelers stack up statistically to the rest of the league:
Offense:
Total Yards Per Game -12th (372.3)
Pass Yards Per Game - 10th (253.4)
Rush Yard Per Game - 14th (118.9)
Point Per Game - 21st(tie) (20.3)
Defense:
Total Yards Allowed Per Game - 1st (271.8)
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game - 1st (171.9)
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game - 8th (99.8)
Points Allowed Per Game - 1st (14.2)
Players to Watch for:
Offense: WR Mike Wallace
Wallace made the Pro Bowl this year, and the honor is well-deserved. The speedy wide receiver made 72 receptions for 1,193 yards (11th in the NFL) and 8 touchdowns. He has the raw speed to take the top of any defense, and has developed into the Steelers top receiving threat in just his 3rd year.
Defense: OLB Lamar Woodley
Woodley missed 6 games this year due to injury, but still notched 9 sacks in just the 10 games he played. The 5th year man out of Michigan has great pass-rushing ability and is a handful for any player attempting to block him.
No comments:
Post a Comment