Guest Column: Steelers vs. Ravens Pre-Game Report

We know the story. We�ve heard about Kris Brown�s nightmare game. We�ve heard all about the only blemish on the Steelers� home record. So why beat a dead horse and recap what already happened? Why tell the story of how Pittsburgh thoroughly out played the Ravens in every facet of the game except for one and how that one facet let to our ultimate defeat?

Now, Keys to the Game: 

1. The Steelers Offense vs. The Red Zone: First and foremost, the offense must score touchdowns. This game can be won with a field goal parade, but why not make it easier and score 7? Mark it down; if the Steelers score a touchdown on half of their red zone trips, they will win the game. Watch for the fade to Burress in the end zone.
2. Jerome Bettis vs. The Ravens Front 7: He will play, but we don�t know how effective he�ll actually be. I expect to see the Bus get hit hard and often when he has the ball. It will be important for him to not let go of the ball when the pain gets intense. The last time these two teams played, the Ravens consistently tried to rip the ball out of his hands as he was tackled.
3. Ward and Burress vs. Starks and McAlister: This will be a fierce match-up that I think the WB connection can win the battle. Burress really needs to limit his drops this week. If he gets deep, he�s got to hang onto the ball.
4. Earl Holmes and Lee Flowers vs. Shannon Sharpe: "The Mouth" is just another in a long line of TE�s that have burnt Holmes and Flowers. You know every time I�ve seen a TE beat these two this year, it seems to have been in the end zone. They�ve looked confused about who has the coverage. These guys have to work out the communication or Sharpe will have a huge day.
5. Jason Gildon vs. Kip Vickers: With Joey Porter going against all-pro LT Jon Ogden, we need to get pressure from Mr. Gildon.

1. The Rams showed that their Defense is tougher than anyone thought when they plowed the 49ers last week.
2. All of the sudden the mighty Jets are on the cusp of missing the playoffs and they still have a tough match-up with Raiders in the final week of the season that will probably determine their playoff fate. Mark it down; the Jets will miss the playoffs again.
3. My picks for wild card teams out of the AFC? Patriots, Ravens, Broncos. NFC? 49ers, Bears, Saints.
4. My MVP of the League right now? Marshall Faulk. As he goes, so do the Rams.
5. So folks are jumping on the Miami bandwagon after they shot a few more bullets into an already dead Colts team. These same folks keep forgetting that Miami played the Colts. Did I mention that Miami played the COLTS?
6. Why does anyone in their right mind think that any of the other teams in the NFC East will take over Philly? Do they watch the football games?
7. Heinz Field looked and sounded great last week. Imagine what it would sound like in an AFC Championship Game.
8. Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the Bears won�t win a playoff game with Jim Miller as QB?
9. How much do want to bet that Cowher would be calling Jimmy Haslett should the Steelers meet the Rams in New Orleans.
10. Bettis won�t get 100 this week. Sorry, but the streak continues for the Ravens.
11. Priest Holmes should hold out for a contender or he�ll end up being the next Corey Dillon. Great talent, awful, awful team�
12. �And you think the Ravens are kicking themselves for ever letting Priest Holmes go?