NFL Breakdown / PREDICTION - Steelers vs Ravens - The Nitty Gritty

The Steelers Will Need BIG PLAYS
From their Defense to win in Baltimore

Its time to get down to the "Nitty Gritty" in terms of the Steelers and Ravens getting geared up for this Sunday.  This game is huge in more ways than one, and its time that we take a look at 5 "Intangible" story lines heading into this game...and my PREDICTION of course!! 

- Special Teams is Important - Those that say Special Teams aren't important (that would be me) must not have watched the last Ravens vs Steelers game.  The Jacoby Jones punt return for a TD was the turning point in the game, and ultimately decided the outcome.  Obviously that play was one that stands out in most fans minds, but the missed Tucker FG was another turning point in the game in the Steelers favor.  The Steelers must play solid special teams and hope for a few good returns in the return game to set up a short field.  Most people would say they need a return, but even with Antonio Brown back in the lineup the likelihood of that happening is slim.  Just get solid special teams plays without the MISTAKES and the Steelers are putting themselves in position for a victory.

- Coaching Success / Failures - Last time I highlighted this game it was discussing the similarities between Tomlin and Harbaugh.  However, at this point in the season Harbaugh is being lauded as one of the NFL's best, and Tomlin is being second guessed as much as Clint Hurdle.  Both coaches garner a ton of respect across the NFL and their players, but to me these two coaches will always been defined by the battles the Steelers and Ravens have.  Lately the Ravens have owned the Steelers...plain and simple.  Its time Tomlin steps up and has his team prepared to actually win in Baltimore to not let the Ravens winning streak over the Steelers reach 4 games.

- The M&T Bank Curse - Playing the Ravens can be tough enough, but playing the Ravens in Baltimore is extremely difficult.  The Steelers haven't faired too well in M&T Bank stadium recently either.  The last victory the Steelers saw in Baltimore was the famous "bloody nose" game where Haloti Ngata shattered Ben's nose (not surprisingly without a flag) and the Steelers won the game and eventually represented the AFC in Superbowl 45.  The Steelers not only need to beat the Ravens for the playoff scenarios that are unfolding, but because the Ravens haven't lost a divisional game in over 700 days.  All streaks, curses, and records are made to be shattered, and the Steelers can do just that on Sunday.

- Divison On the Line - It looks like a wrap that the Ravens are going to win their 2nd straight AFC North title, but it doesn't have to happen this week.  With a win, the Ravens can clinch a playoff birth and seal the AFC North division.  If the Steelers are as prideful as SteelerNation, then they don't allow the Ratbirds to celebrate on Sunday.  The Ravens don't have an easy go at it after the Steelers game (@ Washington / vs Denver / vs NY Giants / @ Cincinnati).  If the Steelers win on Sunday the division is far from over, but its time the Steelers start to swing with their backs against the wall...or else they will watch those purple wearing goons celebrate another division crown on their home turf...

- Win at Baltimore Is HUGE For Many Reasons - Sure, if the Steelers win they will certainly have an inside track on the playoffs (most likely as a Wild Card team), but this game means so much more than the playoffs.  The Steelers are reeling with back to back losses and are looking more like the 2009 team that finished 9-7 with one win away from the postseason than the 2010 team that went to the Superbowl.  If the Steelers can edge out the Ravens on Sunday, they will not only keep the division alive, but they will also be able to carry that confidence into the next 4 games where they could certainly run the table as the team gets healthy at the right time.  This game is huge, regardless of who the Steelers start at QB, and for more reasons than the playoffs.  If the Steelers lose the game, it isn't the end of the world, but this team would certainly start to resemble 2009 than the 2010 team...if they win, its time to start looking at making another legitimate run to the playoffs.

- PREDICTION - Call me a homer...thats fine because I am, but I think the Steelers rise up and win this game in Baltimore resetting everyone's thoughts on this Steelers team...look for an ugly win just like they did in NY when the beat the Giants...

STEELERS - 20 (OT)
Ravens - 17