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The battle to end all battles. The first and second ranked defenses in the NFL, two young Quarterbacks with cannon arms. Two playmaking Safeties. The battle of the titans.

Both teams come into this, similar blueprints, each priding itself on defense, each pounding the ball between the tackles. Each trying to prove the critics and experts wrong. One going for a record sixth Super Bowl win, one making one last run for Ray Lewis. Who will prevail?
The Steelers biggest question coming into this game is the offensive line. Can they hold up like they did against the Chargers? Or will the Ravens studly defense make them look like a JV squad? Is Polamalu’s calf good to play on for another week? They won the previous two meetings, one by an overtime Jeff Reed field goal, and the other on a controversial Santonio Holmes Touchdown reception.

The Ravens want this game just as much as the Steelers do. The two teams hate each other. They always play each other tough, as evidenced by low scoring, hard hitting games this season. Can the Ravens overcome fatigue and win this one?

This game has the capability of possibly being the matchup of the year, Super Bowl included. These teams hate each other with a passion, it’s going to be a blood bath, count yourselves lucky to be able to see this battle of two gargantuan defenses.

Ravens Key Injuries :

Terrell Suggs – Shoulder

Ravens Keys To The Game :

Blitz, Blitz, Blitz

The key to beating the Steelers offense is to sack Ben Roethlisberger. Ben’s a tough guy, one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league, but even he can’t take the relentless onslaught the Ravens will bring if it gets to him on a consistent basis. Willie Parker took the load off of him last week, here’s hoping he can do the same this week.

Stop The Run

Yup, once more we see the infamous “stop the run” so simple, yet so hard to do with some teams. Willie Parker had 27 attempts for 146 yards and two Touchdowns against the Chargers. In comparison, Roethlisberger dropped back only 26 times. The Steelers ran 20 more plays then the Chargers. If Parker can take that kind of load off of Roethlisberger against the Ravens, then it’s going to be tough for Baltimore to come away with the win.

Flacco Has To Get Rid Of It Early

There’s no standing in the pocket for four seconds against the Steelers, or the Ravens for that matter. There’s no waiting for routes to develop. Short, smart, efficient routes are the only option. Expect a lot of in, out, and hitch routes. Along with multiple punts in this game.

Steelers Key Injuries :

Troy Polamalu – Calf
Ben Roethlisberger – Concussion

Steelers Keys To The Game :

Get Parker Started

I was VERY impressed with Willie Parker in the Chargers game, he wasn’t afraid to get hit, wasn’t afraid to get hurt again. The Steelers need that out of him now more than ever. Russell’s a monster when it comes to those grind it out downs, 3rd and short and such. Get the running game to alleviate the pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers will be fine.

Pressure Flacco

Again, I’m REALLY impressed with Flacco, the kid’s got ice in his veins. He reminds me a lot of Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers pass rush is nothing short of amazing this year, and they’ll be able to pressure Flacco. If they get to him, and make him throw on the run or make him throw off his back foot, then the game gets interesting, the Steelers linebackers have very good hands, and that’s not even factoring in Troy Polamalu.

Limit Mistakes

Everyone saw what happens when a team turns it over to the Ravens. Ask the Titans, you end up watching the next game on TV. As I’ve said, it’s going to be a battle for field position, every tiny mistake is blown into huge proportions. Roethlisberger needs to make smart throws, and not go for the big play every time. He needs to get rid of the ball quick, he won’t have too much time to throw. On defense the deep ball MUST be defended properly. Ike Taylor got burned by Vincent Jackson at least twice, once it resulted in a Touchdown, the second time Jackson couldn’t hang onto it.

TJ’s Prediction :
Steelers 17 Ravens 13