Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, December 14, 2008
4:15 P.M
With the AFC North title at stake, the division leading Steelers (10-3) invade the Ravens’ (9-4) home territory with one thing on their minds… seal the deal. A win by Pittsburgh virtually assures them of the title and a high playoff seed. If the Ravens prevail the divisional race would be knotted at 10-4 each and the remainder of the season would decide the eventual winner. This is a crucial matchup for two well playing teams.
Pittsburgh: UP: The defense showed its mettle in a 20-13 victory over Dallas Sunday, providing the winning touchdown on a CB Deshea Townsend 25-yard interception return with just 1:40 to play in the game. Safety Troy Polamalu grabbed another interception to record one each in the last four games. CB Ike Taylor showed his ability with an interception while holding Dallas’ WR Terrell Owens to 32 yards, the week after holding the Patriots Randy Moss to 45. DOWN: The offensive line allowed QB Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked five times by Dallas, with many more passes coming under pressure. Conversion of third downs was only 3-16. Coach Mike Tomlin’s judgment became questionable again as he skipped a chip-shot field goal at the 12:35 mark and Dallas prevented the Steelers from scoring.
Baltimore: UP: FS Ed Reed played outstanding football Sunday against the Redskins, accounting for two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron masterminded a fourth quarter 12 play drive that featured 11 rushes (10 by FB Le’Ron McClain) before rookie QB Joe Flacco’s 28 yard pass to a wide open WR Derrick Mason for the TD. MLB Ray Lewis was credited with 13 tackles, one sack, three tackles for minus yards, and two quarterback hits.
DOWN: Offensively, the Ravens seem to be erratic. Flacco was 10-21 for 134 yards, one TD and one interception against the Skins. RB Willis McGahee had one of his worst games, with a fumbled pitchout, a lost fumble, a dropped pass and just 31 yards on 11 carries. This came after being benched the week before for violating team rules.
Keys to the Game: Ravens QB Flacco must complete more passes, looking for receivers not covered by Polamalu and Townsend. The offensive line must open some holes for McClain. Defensively, Baltimore must keep Roethlisberger in the pocket and go for the sack. Pittsburgh’ defense must play with the same determination as they did Sunday. Roethlisberger must be more mobile, avoiding the rush and finding open receivers.
By the Numbers: Baltimore has had a good year ATS at 10-3 while they are 9-4 O/U. Pittsburgh is 7-6 in both categories. Against AFC opponents the Ravens are 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS with the Steelers at 8-1 SU and 5-4 ATS. Playing division opponents PIT is 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS; BAL is 4-1 and 5-0. The line is Baltimore -1. Pittsburgh’s road record is 5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS & 3-3 O/U. Baltimore is 5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS & 3-3 O/U at home.