The Steel Curtain

            If there ever was a “must win” game for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, this would be it.  The Steelers and Ravens will meet Sunday afternoon with the lead in the AFC North Division hanging in the balance.  The Steelers are 10-3 and are currently leading the division, but right behind them are the Baltimore Ravens at 9-4.  A win by Pittsburgh would all but lock up the division and the number two seed in the AFC.  If the Ravens win, things will quickly get dicey for the Steelers.

            When these two teams met for the first time way back in Week 4, the Steelers were trailing 13-3 at halftime.  They then scored twenty points in the second half to defeat the Ravens 23-20 in an overtime thriller.  For the fans who enjoy watching defensive struggles, this game will be for them.  The Steelers and Ravens have the top two defenses in the league.  Expect to see a low scoring game with a lot of hard hits and tackles.  A player to watch on defense for the Steelers is Troy Polamalu, who is on a four-game streak with having an interception.

            For the Steelers’ offense to have success on Sunday, the offensive line must protect Ben Roethlisberger.  The Baltimore Ravens love to attack the quarterback, so expect the Steelers to use the two-tight end formation more than usual, to give Roethlisberger extra protection in the pocket.                                                 

By Michael C. Smith

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