Steelers/Ravens 2012 version

[durango46]

Wondering what everyone is thinking about the 2 games coming up against the Steelers ....

Do you like the Ravens chances ? Hopefully it's 2 more epic battles.

[JohnnyUrulz]

Yesterday was a decent game against a tough defense and improved Browns on the road. But the Ravens got a lot of help from a rookie QB that routinely did not pull the trigger on some wide open receivers for much of the game. Even though the guy had little pressure most of the game. If that were big Jen they'd have been trounced.

So let's see how we do agains Oakland but I doubt we beat the stills on the road. Even last year when our team was much better it took last second heroics to win. I do believe that if the ball is in Flaccos hands inside of two minutes the Ravens will get it done once again. But this defense can't be on the field for 6 three and outs over and over agian.

[PEZ]

I think if we split with the Steelers we'll be lucky.

[Buford]

I think if we split with the Steelers we'll be lucky.

Very lucky...Just one of those years with all the injuries...

[bawlmerbob]

I hate to say this, but I don't see any way that the Ravens could beat the Steelers this year. Just being realistic.

1). The Steelers have a good , tough running game; the Ravens clearly can't stop the run.

2). Big Ben routinely extends the play even against good pass rushing teams. The Ravens have no pass rush at all.

3). The Steelers have a couple of good receivers, plus a talented tight end. Without a pass rush, it's unrealistic to expect the Raven's CB's to cover while Big Ben has all day to throw.

4). I do think thsat the Ravens can give the Steelers trouble offensively, but the defense is just so bad, it's hard to see the Ravens winning.

Obviously, I hope that I am wrong.

[AntiMoon]

Pretty clear the Steelers are better than us. Ben will have a field day against this defense. Unless Joe puts up 35+ against Ike and those stiffs we're screwed. Pitt finding a running game has turned around their season.

[baltimoreron]

We will be lucky to split with them. I believe we will need at least a split to have any hopes of making it to the postseason.

[yeah]

steelers are getting better while ravs are getting worse. pitt/chargers/pitt could easily be 0-3

[Rael]

I hate to say this, but I don't see any way that the Ravens could beat the Steelers this year. Just being realistic.

1). The Steelers have a good , tough running game; the Ravens clearly can't stop the run.

2). Big Ben routinely extends the play even against good pass rushing teams. The Ravens have no pass rush at all.

3). The Steelers have a couple of good receivers, plus a talented tight end. Without a pass rush, it's unrealistic to expect the Raven's CB's to cover while Big Ben has all day to throw.

4). I do think thsat the Ravens can give the Steelers trouble offensively, but the defense is just so bad, it's hard to see the Ravens winning.

Obviously, I hope that I am wrong.

We do tend to be a much better team at home. I'm hoping for, and expecting, a split.

[classea5]

I am thinking and would be very happy with a split

[jamesdean]

Unless the Ravens show some kind of metamorphosis on defense against Oakland and shut them down completely, I'm expecting a blow out in Pittsburgh. Maybe not as brutal as the Houston game but I certainly can see losing by 17-20 points. The game in Baltimore would be much different of course but there's no guarantee of a win in that one either. I think at this point of the season, Pittsburgh is a better team and will win the division.

[can you hear me now!]

steelers are getting better while ravs are getting worse. pitt/chargers/pitt could easily be 0-3

you mean the mighty chargers who only put up 6 on the Browns...the team that melted against denver...those chargers??

hope none of you broke any limbs jumping off the bandwagon.....2-1 in those 3 games....

[prairieaug]

Five straight 3-n-outs (against the Browns!) yesterday was a clear indication of where this team is right now. You can blame it on injuries or whatever....be lucky not to get swept by the Stealers this year. Playing like they have been to date there is no way they win the division.

Go Ravens!

[Omaha Beach]

If you dont have a pass rush you need good cover corners. With Webb out the Ravens dont have good cover corners and going up against Ben R. and the Manning brothers is going to be ugly without some kind of pass rush.

[ms maggie]

Steelers improving weekly, esp run. Baltimore seems to be some kind of defensive meltdown. That said, hard to see B losing at home.

[ivanbalt]

Steelers improving weekly, esp run. Baltimore seems to be some kind of defensive meltdown. That said, hard to see B losing at home.

The defense technically didn't play too bad against Cleveland. Only giving 5 fairly short field goals is pretty good when the offense repeatedly only gave them 3 downs of rest. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh is a tad more competent on offense.

[SugarRay52]

Skip Bayless has the Ravens losing their final 7 games and missing the playoffs, TSizzle was on the show today and shut Bayless down. I'm sure some of you who are on the ledge agree with Bayless and will concede the season, agreeing with Bayless wouldn't be a wise move.

[44Defense]

Don't forget about Pittsburghs loses. Tennessee, Oakland, and Denver. Not exactly the 85 bears. Plus the Gmen didn't practice until thursday. So i wouldn't put too much into that game. Ravens split with Steelers. Problem will be the Chargers on the road

[West Chester Raven]

I hate to say this, but I don't see any way that the Ravens could beat the Steelers this year. Just being realistic.

1). The Steelers have a good , tough running game; the Ravens clearly can't stop the run.

2). Big Ben routinely extends the play even against good pass rushing teams. The Ravens have no pass rush at all.

3). The Steelers have a couple of good receivers, plus a talented tight end. Without a pass rush, it's unrealistic to expect the Raven's CB's to cover while Big Ben has all day to throw.

4). I do think thsat the Ravens can give the Steelers trouble offensively, but the defense is just so bad, it's hard to see the Ravens winning.

Obviously, I hope that I am wrong.

No, unfortunately you are spot-on correct. We will get swept this year. Count on it. That team is getting on a roll and we are - well just squeaking by. Frankly the way we have been playing it is remarkable we have the record we do. Tell me: Do you really have any confidence in the team this year? The guys you could count on are either injured or gone. Ray Rice and Suggs can't do it all themselves. Torrey Smith is dependent on Flacco to get the ball - no sure thing there.

[bawlmerbob]

No, unfortunately you are spot-on correct. We will get swept this year. Count on it. That team is getting on a roll and we are - well just squeaking by. Frankly the way we have been playing it is remarkable we have the record we do. Tell me: Do you really have any confidence in the team this year? The guys you could count on are either injured or gone. Ray Rice and Suggs can't do it all themselves. Torrey Smith is dependent on Flacco to get the ball - no sure thing there.

I have felt all along that this team is weaker than last year's team. One of Ozzie's off season priorities was to upgrade the O-Line. That was not done. The patchwork O-Line has not made up for the loss of Grubbs, and certainly is not an improvement over last year.
Defensively, losing Jarrett Johnson and Cory Redding, required that the next man step up and do the job. Unfortunately, Kemo, Cody, Kruger, and Upshaw have not been adequate replacements. Add to that the recent injuries to Lardarius Webb and Ray Lewis. It's not hard to see why the D is not as good as last year's version.