Divisional Playoffs: Steelers vs. Ravens Pre-Game (And the Rest)
Words escaped me. In case you hadn�t heard, ESPN broke a story yesterday morning that while in Miami, Brian Billick instructed the his players to "mark" the Pro-Player Stadium Field as their territory. When he meant "mark" he meant by urinating like dogs on the field.
This current zenith in the saga/soap opera that has been Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore continues to entertain better than "One Life To Live." Yet, whatever words spouted, jabs thrown and fields urinated upon this week will be moot once the clock strikes 12:30. Approximately 3 hours after the first whistle all the question will be answered and the clear favorite to represent the AFC in Super Bowl will move on.
I really had to analyze the information presented and I took the cases of both teams seriously. Many of you that don�t know, I originally picked Pittsburgh to win in the first meeting and Baltimore to win in the second meeting. I was wrong on both accounts.
- History:
- Running Game:
- Quarterbacks:
- Special Teams:
You can�t look at the playoff histories of both teams and compare them. The Steelers have struggled in the playoffs, but that was a different Steeler team. Just the same that you can compare this year�s Raven playoff run, to last year�s. If they win the Super Bowl this year, then you can say that the Raven�s can pull an LA Laker and turn it on in the playoffs.
That being said the only thing you compare both teams too is their play in the regular season. The Steelers have proved to be a consistent team this season. But the Ravens suffered from inconsistency all year. Unlike last year, the Ravens have not strengthened as the season wore on, rather, they looked like world champs one week and chumps the next.
Advantage: Steelers based on their consistent, efficient play this season.
The media pundits have got it all wrong. Pittsburgh will be able to run on the Ravens but not because Bettis back. Amos Zereoue is the key to the Steeler running game against the Ravens. Remember, it was Famous Amos who replaced Fu early in the first quarter in the Steeler win in Baltimore. Bettis will get his carries, but if the Steelers can take advantage of the plays featuring Zereoue, then Pittsburgh will win the battle on offense.
The Ravens, on the other hand, have run for over 200 yds in the past two games. This is impressive until you see that the first was against woeful Minnesota and a depleted, over-rated Miami defense. I don�t think they are as good as 200 yds, but I think they are better now that Terry Allen is healthy. He�s running very strong right now. But, just yesterday, Edwin Mulitalo, their Pro Bowl Guard, is now questionable with a bad calf injury. He plays on the same side as Jonathan Ogden and opened most of the holes that Allen and Co. ran through on Sunday.
Advantage: Steelers, regardless if Mulitalo plays. But his loss could cause the Ravens to lose 20-30 yds of rushing.
Once again, this aspect of the game must go back to consistency this year. Stewart has been solid all year while Grbac has been inconsistent. Both will make plays, but in the end, Stewart�s running ability will triumph over Grbac.
Advantage: Pittsburgh
The Steelers have struggled all year and if we�ve learned anything, they will struggle again this weekend. They should be gunning to keep Lewis from getting past the 35 on kickoffs and no more than 8 yds on punts. Kris Brown can�t miss more than one field goal or déjà vu may happen again.
The Ravens excel in this area, but Pittsburgh probably took a look at what Miami did last week against Lewis. Jermaine may take one the distance this week, it wouldn�t surprise me. If the Ravens are to move consistently they need great field position. Pittsburgh won�t be giving up any 90+ yd drives this week.
Advantage: Ravens, once again to consistency throughout the year.
Outlook: I like the Steelers to pull this one out. The game should be in hand by about the 10-minute mark, but a turnover here and there could bring it down to the final minutes.
Other Divisional Match-ups
Oakland at New England
The Patriots are hoping the clock doesn�t strike 12 this week while facing a revitalized Oakland team. You know, the Raiders looked like they we�re having fun last week. The Patriots have been having the time of there lives all season.
Brady vs. Pressure: This is Brady�s first playoff game. It could be his last if he stops to look around
Oakland�s Running Game vs. New England Front 7: The forecast for Foxboro calls for freezing rain. If the drops fall, Rice and Brown will have to take a seat to Charlie Garner and his swollen foot. He did it last week, but that was with 65,000 fans cheering him on.
Antowain Smith vs. Oakland Defense: Smith has to continue his strong play against a Raider Defense that control Curtis Martin for two weeks straight.
Outlook: I like the Raiders to get after Brady. I think the Patriots have proven their validity, but all good things must come to an end. Besides, Oakland � Pittsburgh is just so retro.
Philadelphia at Chicago
If you like tough gritty games, watch Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore, but this one comes in a close second. Two tough defenses battle it out in the Windy City.
McNabb vs. Brian Urlacher: McNabb ran well last week, but Urlacher was the best linebacker in the NFC.
Philadelphia Passing Attack vs. Chicago�s Secondary: The Eagles won�t run on the Bears front 7, so they�ll need the receivers to get open.
Anthony Thomas vs. Chicago Front 7: Thomas will have to carry the load because the Eagles secondary is the best in the league.
Outlook: The Bears win one for Ditka! But, they can�t start a Super Bowl video yet because they must still face�
Green Bay at St. Louis
The World�s Greatest Show on Earth goes against The World�s Greatest Cheese.
Kurt Warner vs. Brett Farve: The QB who has the better day will win.
Antonio Freeman and Bill Schroeder vs. St. Louis Secondary: If Freeman can show flashes of his former playoff-self, the Packers will stay in this thing.
Marshall Faulk vs. Green Bay Front 7: They need to contain Faulk before even thinking about Warner.
Outlook: Do you focus on the receivers or Faulk? Warner or Isaac Bruce? Green Bay needs 13 players on defense to win. Too bad they only get to play 11. St. Louis is the pick in an old fashioned shoot-out.
Enjoy the games and no matter what, we�ll see you next week with the Championship Pre-Game Report.
Written By
JB in the big Steel apple
GO STEELERS!!!