Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for Ravens:
Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by New York Jets linebacker Garrett McIntyre (50) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
1. Pressure Ben Roethlisberger: I hate to state the obvious here, but the Ravens could have a field day against the struggling Steelers’ offensive line. The Ravens are third in the NFL with 22 sacks and could add to that number in a big way. It’s not all just about the sacks though. If they pressure Roethlisberger a ton and keep hitting him, they will likely force him into mistakes. In what could be a close game, it may only take one mistake to win.
2. Limit Big Plays: It’s debatable whether or not the Steelers will be able to extend long drives against the Ravens defense. That has to be Baltimore’s gameplan though. They must make Pittsburgh drive against them and not allow big plays.
The Ravens don’t have the weapons to get into a shootout, so their defense has to keep plays in front of them and prevent the Steelers from hitting big plays in the passing game. Roethlisberger is one of the best in the NFL at extending plays and finding receivers downfield, so the Ravens will have to stick with receivers downfield even longer than usual. If they get beat deep a couple of times, it will likely be the ballgame.
3. Start Fast: As mentioned, the Ravens don’t have good enough weapons to have to play catch up in this game. Baltimore has put up just three points in the first quarter their last five games, and they have not been able to consistently move the ball on first downs. If the Ravens can get into a rhythm early and play with the lead, they will have a chance to leave Pittsburgh with a needed win.