Ravens at Steelers Preview

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC Championship Game

Steelers Offense vs Ravens Defense

For two weeks, I have said the Ravens defense was going to carry this team. And for two weeks, they have. They have done it with forced fumbles, interceptions, sacks, and just dominating defense. In this postseason, they are giving up only 9.5 points per game, the least in the playoffs. 

However, in other defensive categories, they have slipped. They are giving up more rushing yards and more passing yards in this post season then they did during the regular season. And its not like they have played two top notch, power offenses. So while they have been dominating, and they have been the reason the Ravens have won, I think that is more a product of turnovers at the right time.

This week, they will have a hard time against the Steelers offense. Like the Ravens defense, the Steelers offense is a tough, Super Bowl winning group. They have been hard to watch at points, but they have gotten the job done when they needed to. Last week, they added another weapon, as Willie Parker looked like his old self, gaining 147 yars on 27 attempts. He won't get that vs the Ravens, but I think his running will open up the passing game for Ben Rothlisberger. 

With all that being said, I don't think the Steelers will be able to put up alot of points. Im just saying they have a better chance to score then the other teams have this post season, and not make key turnovers the other offenses have vs the Ravens. 

ADVANTAGE: RAVENS

Ravens Offense vs Steelers Defense

Last week, Joe Flacco became he first rookie quarterback ever to win 2 playoff games in the same year. He hasn't been the reason they have won, but he also has not cost them the game, like Ravens quarterbacks of the past. He has thrown for 148 yards per game, 1 TD and 0 INT in the playoffs. He has been helped out by the huge play of veteran wide reciever Derrick Mason, who has 148 yards in 2 games. 

While Flacco has been able to get by so far without having to carry this offense, he will this week if he wants to win. Points will be hard to come by in this game, so he needs to make sure they capatilize on all oppurtunites when they get them. That means field goals instead of touchdowns. And it means not turning the ball over in the red zone. 

The Steelers defense didn't look dominating last week, but that game was over before they started to give up alot of points. The Chargers were able to beat them down the middle of the field, but they had no luck running the ball on them. I don't think Flacco will be able to beat the Steelers defense down the field. 

ADVANTAGE: STEELERS

Analysis:

If you like points, this will not be the game for you. These two teams are cut from the same cloth, they both hit hard and love to run the ball. This two teams also hate each other. Every player on that field better have their head on a swivel, because late hits will be plentiful in this game. 

They are even in almost every aspect of the game. They both have great defenses. They both have hard running games, now that Willie Parker is back. They both have great, young coaches. And they also both have recievers that aren't great, but can get the job done.

Where they are not the same is quarterback, and that will be the difference. Flacco has managed the games well so far, but he hasn't made big plays to win it. Rothelisberger will make the plays to get the Steelers into the Super Bowl.

PICK: Steelers