Many a media outlet is weighing down the Raven bandwagon fairly quickly. However, one game against a mediocre opponent where the Ravens were the beneficiary of two questionable calls, does not mean the Ravens can expect to perform any better than they have for most of the season. Don't be surprised if Pittsburgh puts up 40 some points to about 7 for the Ravens. You better believe all of the non-sense from the media fawning over the Ravens "resurgence" will take it's toll Sunday in the form of a very vengeful and resentful Steeler team. It�s amazing that so many don�t catch on� What was thought as an oddity at onset � the wrong teams winning � is now a trend. The simple trend in the NFL this year has been another changing of the guard in some respects. That trend will be finalized Sunday.
Ah, perhaps only weddings in June are more beautiful than seeing the Steelers in the NFL playoffs. Still, don�t make those plane reservations for New Orleans just yet my very dear friends � this is an NFL playoff game and the Ravens are vastly more experienced.
Things that can go wrong:
Well, just check out ESPN�s 13 things to look for when picking winners in the playoffs and you�ll know what we know and have reiterated many times � Marty Schottenhiemer is terrible in the playoffs. Lest we forget who Bill Cowher�s mentor is. Cowher simply gets scared in the playoffs and plays far too timid and would rather be in a position to win than be well ahead. Cowher has had some blowouts in the past, but losing to underdogs at home is a Cowher specialty.
Indeed, this is a pivotal juncture for Cowher as far as playoff coaching goes. His meddle will be tested Sunday and success can test one�s meddle as sure as the strongest adversary. Success early in this game could cause the Steeler demise if Cowher does not allow his team to build upon it.
Special Teams coverage units can kill the Steelers Sunday. Even though Troy Edwards is 5th in the AFC in return average, he still does not get the ball much on kick-offs and punts. There really is no good reason for this because the Steelers are third to last in return yardage in the NFL while the Ravens are third best. As everyone knows, this is a major advantage for the Ravens.
Kris Brown. He could destroy any hope the Steelers have of making the Super Bowl let alone the AFC championship game. However, it would be better for Brown to miss early so the risk aversive Cowher will at least get a clue and start going for TDs. In this case, having the known risk of Brown�s foot will be a benefit to the Steelers. The worst thing that can happen is for the Steelers to not have an opportunity at a FG early in the game and the game turns out to be a low-scoring affair, say 7-7. In this scenario, the Steelers are at a huge disadvantage. So pray for Brown to miss early and then watch what the Steelers are really capable of doing when a 30 FG is a risky play.
Things that need to go right:
The Steelers need to run the ball early and often and straight ahead. The Bus is back, but the offensive line never left. This unit, coached by Russ Grimm, is the best in the NFL this year. They must perform to their ability or the Steelers might be in for a long day on offense. Taking advantage of the injured and un-rested Raven D-line by pounding the ball all game is imperative.
The Steelers need to get to Grbac. There�s no use sitting back and playing nickel schemes and sitting Bell a good portion of the game. Blitz, run-blitz and make life hell for the Grbac. He is their weakest link and should be exploited at every opportunity.
Kris Brown has had two weeks to get ready for this game and to practice and to watch film� Brown should be ready. If he isn�t, then it should be suggested that his career might be at an end. He has had the requisite time and should have had the necessary attention to overcome the mental burden he placed upon himself.
John Fiala will need to step up in this game and make a big play on Special Teams. He is their captain and emotional leader. The Steelers need to set a tone for the coverage units early on in this game � Fiala must lead the way.
What will happen:
The Steeler running game will not be stopped by the Raven front seven. In fact, the Raven front seven is not such an intimidating beast anymore. The loss of McCrary really hurts Baltimore, not to mention that most of the line is playing with some nagging injuries. The Raven front seven is no more � the Steelers have proved that twice this year and will do so again.
Kris Brown will have a great game. Then again, if you see Brown on the sidelines with a "mean-on" then be happy, if he�s getting his unemployment papers ready � be worried. Truly, Brown will shine in this game and perhaps propel himself into Steeler lore with a heroic effort.
The Steeler defense will subdue the hapless Raven offense. They will come with such ferocity; women and small children will be sent screaming into the night. The city of Pittsburgh has only a vague idea of how intense and physical this defense can be. Sunday, the Ravens will come to understand the true meaning of violence. The Steelers will show them.
In short, the Steelers will win big on Sunday � real big, 34-13.
Steel Tank