View topic - Bring on the Ratbirds!!!

[isfry Profile]

Flacco is 2-5 against us alltime, including the playoffs. Ravens are 0-2 against us in the postseason (27-10 AFC Div., 2001; 23-14 AFC Ch., 2008). with Polamalu healthy and (fingers crossed) Aaron Smith back on the D-Line and a week and a half of rest for us, I like our chances at home. The fact that Baltimore had a pretty easy time of it today against KC doesnt thrill me, but it doesnt scare me either. The bigger concern (not to look too far ahead) is probably the potential for having to go into Foxboro after what Im sure will be a bloodbath against the Ratbirds, as usual. But, we will cross that bridge when we get there. Besides, maybe the Jerks upset the Cheatriots and we get a chance to avenge that Polamalu-less loss from a couple weeks back.

[SteelThatDon'tRust Profile]

Assuming our run D is its usual you-can-try-to-run-if-you're-into-fucking-yourself form, the secondary is still a legitimate concern. Notice that the hated Ravens won this one through the air as their run game seemed pretty weak. But I too like our chances. Nonetheless, it is the Ravens and I only hope we can win injury free enough to man up for the AFC championship. Seriously doubt Smith will be back, he's not even practicing yet. Was interesting to see the Chiefs have such great runs against B'more.

[steelwest Profile]

Having to play the Ravens next week is a total screw job. We were twenty seconds away from having a beat up Colts team come to town, while the Ravens brutalized the Pats. Let's root for the boys as best as we can. It is the toughest road we could get though.

[clarioncall Profile]

You just know if we did get the Colts and Rats beat up the Pats, naysayers would have a field day if we go to SB. We got "lucky", got it "handed" to us.
That said, we are definitely getting the hardest road.

Time to see if Coaching Staff has "learned" anything along the way about our guys and what works for them.
Saw some stats where last several games our passing D has stepped up.... gee, maybe putting Ike on No. 1 guy works?
Will they put him on Derek Mason, Mr. Steeler Killer? Have they learned how to get to Flacco - although very emotionless - is very accurate?

Offensively, have we learned how to slow down, avert a nasty pass rush? Screens, draws, drag routes, etc? Doubt it.
How many times will we see Mendy running up betwen the guards, all the while Ngota is there? Many!
Will Redman see the ball 10 - 12 times? NO! Will we give Mendy a lead blocker? - NO! seemed to work for Chiefs.
Will we see short crossing routes with speedy guys behind the backers? Of course not! That just means ball control and moving the chains and we can't have none of that . If anything is a given, Balt can and will move the chains methodically. They are patient. It pains me to see these next 2 games come down to 2 hard-headed Co-ords. and a HC who doesn't seem to make changes (adjustments) during a game.

[stillgrill Profile]

After the Stillers win next Sunday, does anyone think that Ed Reed will run from Heinz Field & jump in a river? He'll have a choice of 3 rivers!!!!

[Still CA Still Profile]

Be careful what you wish for. The addition of Heap to their line-up should not be overlooked for unlike Arians, the TE is actually used to catch passes in the Balto system. Heap has done well against us and as you remember, he sat after the 1st play last time w/a bad hammy. This Stiller team will have to play much, much better than it did in Balto a few weeks ago to avoid an embarrassing afternoon.

[napnewman Profile]

Be careful what you wish for. The addition of Heap to their line-up should not be overlooked for unlike Arians, the TE is actually used to catch passes in the Balto system. Heap has done well against us and as you remember, he sat after the 1st play last time w/a bad hammy. This Stiller team will have to play much, much better than it did in Balto a few weeks ago to avoid an embarrassing afternoon.

I didn't see the Chiefs at all this year until yesterday's game so I can not comment on there defense. That said - Heap scared me yesterday. LeBeau better have a plan to defend against him. The Chiefs did not.

[Bomberman Profile]

To be honest, the Chiefs gave that game away with all the turnovers. The Ratbird offense wasn't all that scary. Yes they put up 30 but they got the ball back on three consecutive KC drives "within" field goal range. Any offense should be putting up points in that situation. As for Flacco, if he couldn't find Heap over the middle in the seam, he was dumping it off to the running back. I'm thinking that after two passes to Heap over the middle Troy would move a little closer and jump the route for the pick or break up the pass. The running back wouldn't be given those 10 yard cushions that KC gave and those little dump passes would only gain a few yards if any. Guarantee the Ratbirds aren't putting up 30 on the Stillers. The key to this game will be giving Ben enough time to find a open receiver or getting rid of the ball quick through those quick slants that were so effective in the Browns game.

As always, I'm sure it will be a rough game but I see the Stillers winning by 10. Go Steelers!