Steelers vs Ravens - REPORT CARD

Ben Pondering His Weekly Grade...

QUARTERBACK - Ben Roethlisberger had another great game, but it was more about efficiency than it was flash.  He didn't throw for 300+ yards with 4 TDs.  No, he was 17/23 for 160yds and a TD.  No interceptions / fumbles again was huge for the Steelers.  Best part about Ben's performance?  The plays he made when it mattered the most.  With the game tied and the ball on the 37 yard line, Ben made some crucial plays to extend drives when the game was on the line.  Haven't seen that in a while.  Red Zone failures is what kept Ben from getting a superb grade for me.
GRADE - A

WIDE RECEIVERS - Antonio Brown continues to make plays in a variety of ways.  Returning the ball, running the ball, and obviously catching the football.  He has truly blossomed into a #1 WR this year, but the buck didn't stop at number 84.  Jerricho Cotchery had some great catches that extended drives along with Derick Moye and Heath Miller.  This group would get a great grade if it weren't for Heath's fumble that cost the Steelers 3 points, and Derick Moye's dropped pass in the endzone that should have been 6.
GRADE - A-

RUNNING BACKS - Alert the press!  The Steelers rushed for over 100 yards as a team for the first time this year.  Who cares they still don't have a 100yd rusher individually...baby steps people.  This was a big baby step in the correct direction.  Due in part to a great offensive game plan and improved OLine play, Le'Veon Bell finished with 93yds, Big Ben with 23, and Felix Jones added 16 yards to that total.  Not too shabby for a unit that was averaging under 70yds/game until the Ravens came to town.
GRADE - A-

OFFENSIVE LINE - Todd Haley helped this unit out BIG TIME by throwing Mike Adams and Guy Whimper in as extra tackles to not only protect the QB, but also to open up running lanes.  Both worked great as the Steelers rushed for over 100yds and Ben was only sacked once.  When Marcus Gilbert left the game with a sore quad, Whimper came in and didn't miss a beat.  This was BY FAR the best OLine performance for the Steelers this season, and I give them a very good grade...
GRADE - A

DEFENSIVE LINE - I gave this group a tough time last week saying that they weren't making enough plays. They changed that this week.  Steve McLendon was actually noticeable on the field, Cam Heyward is starting to look like a number 1 draft pick, and Ziggy Hood and Brett Keisel made great plays in the running game.  This is a group that is improving just like the OLine, and it couldn't come at a better time.  This group held the Ravens to 82 yards rushing, and although that isn't really "shutting someone down", its a step in the right direction.
GRADE - A-

LINEBACKERS - The linebacking crew had a great game, but really one player in particular...Lawrence Timmons.  Timmons registered a team high 17 tackles, with 12 solo tackles.  Yeah, thats not a typo.  A man that doesn't lead with his voice, but his play sure as heck backs it up.  Timmons was spying on the Raven's running backs all game, and it paid off.  Vince Williams played the best game of the season by far, and Lamarr Woodley is having a bounce back year that NO ONE is really talking about.  This group had a great game, but they still need Jarvis Jones healthy.
GRADE - A

SECONDARY - The Steelers' secondary had a pretty solid game.  William Gay broke up 2 TD passes and has solidified the opposite side of the field.  Cortez Allen has been taking the slot receiver and looks comfortable there.  Some questionable penalties went against Ike Taylor, but for the most part, the secondary was outstanding in this game.  Troy Polamalu's off sides craziness needs to improve, but he played more center field this past game then he has all  year.  Thats a good thing.
GRADE - B+

SPECIAL TEAMS - Shaun Suisham was 4-4, the Steelers didn't have to punt often, and the return game was "above the line" as Mike Tomlin would say.  You can't ask for much more from your special teams units.
GRADE - A+

COACHING - I wrote an entire article about this yesterday (if you missed it CLICK HERE) and each coach for the Steelers deserves a passing grade.  In fact, better than passing...
GRADE - A+

Mike Tomlin Talks About The Steelers Big Win over Baltimore

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens - PREDICTION

Today at 4:25 the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens in a pivotal AFC North match up.  A game that carries a ton of significance besides just another grudge match between the Steelers and Ravens.  If the Steelers are able to pull out a victory at Heinz Field, they will advance to 2-4 on the season and would be only 1 win behind the Ravens in the standings.  However, if the Ravens were to win in enemy territory, they would make the Steelers "hole" that they've dug for themselves a 6 foot grave.  Looking at the matchup, the Steelers and Ravens are very evenly matched, but I'll take a look at the matchup and give you a prediction...

Offense
- Between the Steelers and Ravens the offensive side of the football leaves a lot to be desired.  Both teams have flashes of brilliance, and times of down right atrocious football.  Looking at the rosters, its actually tough to decide who would have the edge here, but believe it or not I am giving the nod to the Steelers.  To me, Heath Miller and Antonio Brown will give the Ravens D fits today
Advantage - STEELERS

Defense
- The Steelers defense finally got their first turnovers of the year last week, but was it too little too late?  The Ravens defense has done a great job getting after the QB with Suggs and Dumervil and their DLine has played well so far this season.  The Ravens secondary is their weak point, but the Steelers will have to be able to run the ball to ease the Ravens pass defense.

Advantage - RAVENS

Special Teams
- The Steelers special teams has been a bright spot for the team this year, but when it comes to splash plays, they have had ZERO.  The Ravens special teams also has been solid, but its tough to give the nod to one team over the other (don't be surprised if this game doesn't come down to a big play on special teams one way or another)

Advantage - PUSH

Coaching
- Rumors of turmoil in the Baltimore locker room aren't new for the Ravens.  Last year that turmoil lead to a Super Bowl victory.  The Steelers weren't allowed to play games in the locker room and now they finally won a game.  This game doesn't need any extra motivation from the coaches, but when it comes to playing in Pittsburgh without a home victory yet, I like Coach Tomlin getting his crew ready for this huge game.

Advantage - STEELERS

PREDICTION
- These games are always close in the score column.  Blowouts in this matchup since 2005 are able to be counted on one hand.   I think this game will certainly follow suit.  An early lead will benefit either team, but especially the Steelers playing at home.  Look for a big play to make the difference in this game for either team.

STEELERS - 20
Ravens - 17

Steelers vs Ravens - Video Preview (TribLive Radio)

Steelers Defense vs Ravens Offense - BREAKDOWN

Its Time for Troy to Get the Ball In His Hands this Sunday...

In this second installment of the Steelers vs Ravens breakdown, we analyze the top 5 story lines that face the Steelers Defense going against the Ravens offense.  Time to simplify...

- No Big Plays - The Steelers are a team that is built to keep the play in front of them.  Don't allow the big run, stop the swing pass from going the distance, and never let a WR behind anyone.  Obviously, situations happen where mistakes are made, but the Steelers usually minimize those mistakes.  Last game against the Jets the Steelers created 2 turnovers that erased some pretty big mistakes made by the defense.  Not to mention the potential for a huge play down the middle of the field where Troy Polamalu got caught guessing and Geno Smith over threw his receiver.  Joe Flacco might not be "Elite", but he isn't going to miss on that many throws.  The Steelers need to keep the plays in front of them...plain and simple.

- Stop the Run - So the Ravens are tied with the worst Yards Per Carry in the NFL with a 2.7 ypc average. Don't think for a second that this Baltimore team is going to come out and just throw the ball all over the field.  Only bad things happen when that starts to transpire.  The Ravens will try and establish the run to back the defense off Joe Flacco and allow the plays to be made through the air.  The Steelers have been okay against the run, and okay is a correct word to use.  After all, this defense doesn't completely shut down anything anymore.  The Steelers are 22nd in the NFL allowing 114yds per game on the ground.  When was the last time the Steelers did that??  I don't even want to look.  Just know that if the Steelers want to win Sunday, they need to shut down the run game of the Ravens.

- Force the Mistake - Too often the Steelers simply sit back and wait for someone like Troy Polamalu to make a tremendous play or to guess correctly.  The Steelers desperately need to win the turnover battle to win this football game and they can't just wait for it to happen.  The 2 turnovers that they have caused this season (both against Geno Smith and the Jets) were forced turnovers.  It wasn't like Geno Smith just threw  a bad ball.  No, the Steelers were pressuring the QB and forced the poor throw.  That is what needs to happen if the Steelers want to make the Ravens pay when they come to town this Sunday.

- Get Out of Your Own Way - Anyone else think the Steelers sometimes out smart themselves?  Maybe its time for more of a standard look this Sunday.  Keep Troy Polamalu away from the line of scrimmage except in key situations, let him roam the secondary making plays, and send the blitz when the time calls for it.  Dick Lebeau is an innovator, but at the same time can outsmart the wrong team.

- Give the Crowd Something to Cheer For - SteelerNation is starving for a home win.  I was present for the last home game when the Steelers lost to the Bears and it was sad.  I saw fans (probably privileged season ticket holders) leave the game in the first quarter.  Let me say that again....LEAVE IN THE FIRST QUARTER.  Heinz Field was just waiting for "Renegade" to be played and to get the place JACKED UP, but the Steelers gave up too many big plays and turned the ball over too many times for the Steelers to get their first home win of the season.  That doesn't mean it can't happen this Sunday.  Make plays early to get the crowd involved, and never let them sit in their seats again.  What better opponent to get the first win at home against...the hated Baltimore Ravens.

Miss the Steelers Offensive Breakdown vs the Ravens Defense?  Just CLICK HERE

Steelers Offense vs. Ravens Defense - BREAKDOWN / Fantasy Fix

Heath Miller - A Must Start on your Fantasy team 

The Pittsburgh Steelers renew their Rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens (this time WITH Ben Roethlisberger at the helm) this Sunday at 4:25.  I will break this matchup up down every which way before kickoff.  Here are the top 5 storylines for the Steelers heading into Sunday's big game.  Lets do this...

- Yards are Yards...No Matter How They Come - Paint me guilty of yelling at Todd Haley for throwing so many bubble screens and WR "quick hitters".  However, the more you watch this team the more your realize that is how they make manageable down and distances.  A WR screen on 1st down for 5 yards or a run up the middle for 5.  Who can tell me the difference from a down and distance standpoint?  Exactly, you can't (primarily because I'm communicating with myself right now) because no matter what the next play is 2nd and 5.  A manageable down and distance.  Yards are yards...no matter how you slice it.

- Points are Points - Okay, it may seem redundant, but the Steelers are not the New Orleans Saints, or the Denver Broncos who score points at a ridiculous rate.  No, the Steelers are a team that is going to grind teams down and hope the defense can keep the opposition off the scoreboard.  Against the Ravens especially, the Steelers need to simply take points when they are available.  Unless you are on the goal line and inches on 4th down (and even then its tough to turn down points), you should never turn away points in a grudge match like this.  FGs could win the game.

- Make a Statement Early - The Steelers have gotten off to slow starts in every game so far this season.  That includes the win over the Jets.  If the Steelers are capable of coming out and scoring a quick TD, the entire complexity of the game could swing from that point on.  The Steelers are a team that is unsure what it can do with a lead, because they've only held ONE 2nd half lead, and that turned out to be a victory against the Jets.

- Protect the Football - Sounds like a broken record if you've read my breakdowns before.  You saw what can happen to the Steelers offense when they aren't shooting themselves in the foot (please leave the Plaxico Burress jokes aside here).  I feel this offense can be really dynamic if they get out of their own way.  If you've watched this team play the last 3 weeks and you've seen the offense slowly get into rhythm.  Slowly find their pace, and slowly become more and more effective.  None of that continues of Sunday's game against the Ravens turns into a turnover fest.

- Keep Ben Clean - The Steelers are a team that is evolving into a passing team.  Only problem with that is that you need to protect that passer.  The Steelers improved in that area after the 1st quarter in the last game, and keeping Beachum at LT might be the glue to keep this line from falling apart.  Pittsburgh needs to keep the Ravens pass rushers (Dumervil and Suggs) off of #7's back to allow him to make plays.  Will Ben take his usual 3 sacks?  Probably, but most of them will be because he is trying to make a play.  You live and die by the sword.  If you love Ben extending plays and throwing down field, you can't complain about Ben holding onto the ball...they are one in the same.

Fantasy Fix (Steelers Offense):
WR - Antonio Brown - Brown has the 2nd most receptions in the AFC this year and has quietly become the Steelers best offensive threat.  Not to mention he returns kicks, can throw the ball, and runs the ball.  Thats a versatile player that can get your quality points in alot of different ways.

TE - Heath Miller - Heath Miller has improved every game since his return, and he is a key part in the way this Steelers' offensive machine works.  Look for Heath to get his usual 5-7 receptions for around 60+ yards, but look for those redzone looks and potential TDs.  Heath has always played well against the Ravens.

K - Shaun Suisham - Lets be honest, sometimes TDs are rare in these matchups, but FGs are usually the norm.  Suisham hasn't missed a kick yet this season (10-10 and EVERYONE better knock on wood now) and has been good in kicks over 40+ yds.  He has yet to attempt a 50+ yard kick, but Suisham is worth the start in this matchup.

Miss the Steelers Defense Facing the Ravens Offense Breakdown?  Just CLICK HERE

What is Pittsburgh's Best Sports Rivalry?

This was a questions I posed on Twitter immediately after the Penguins defeated the Edmonton Oilers.  The next game on the schedule was the Philadelphia Flyers and I knew fans were looking forward to that game.  Obviously, with the Penguins just wrapping up their game, the majority of fans responded with the Flyers and Penguins as Pittsburgh's best sports rivalry.  However, the other two options I posted were the Steelers and Ravens, and the Reds and Pirates.  Some might argue other teams should be involved (like the Cardinals), but in my opinion its one of those three.  Question is, which is the best?

This is when the debate begins.  What are the criteria for which rivalry is considered "the best"?  Is it the longevity of the rivalry?  If so, you have to turn to the Flyers and Penguins for that.  Is it the teams that have had the biggest competition when it matters the most?  If so, that would be the Ravens and Steelers that have met on the NFL's biggest stages within the AFC.  Is it which rivalry is the most heated TODAY?  If that is what you are following, then it easily could be the Reds and the Pirates with the Pirates and Reds not only playing each other 19 times a year, but the bad blood that runs deep between the two teams.

Anyway you slice it, these three options are all viable options as "the best".  If you are asking me which rivalry ranks atop my list...well...the first to be eliminated is the Pirates and Reds.  Plain and simple, this is just a budding rivalry.  Keep these teams together and playing competitive baseball and they certainly could move up the list, but its just too fresh.  Not to mention its difficult to put a non contact sport (yeah I know alot of batters were HBP this year) ahead of two sports that have physical contact woven into game play.

That leaves the Ravens and Steelers, and Flyers and Penguins.  Some would argue this is more about fan bases than it is players, but to me, that is why I choose the second rivalry as the Steelers and Ravens.  Lets be honest, besides Hines Ward saying the Ravens were "always the brides maids and never the bride", or T-Sizzle wearing a "I hate Pittsburgh" shirt...these players admire one another.  Not that they don't want to win, but after the games its all "hugs and handshakes".

Which leads me to the best rivalry in Pittsburgh sports.  The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers.  These 2 teams hate one another with a passion, and thats putting it mildly.  The Philly fans hate Crosby more than any other player in any sport, the Flyers are vocal about their disdain for the Pens, and the Pens are vocal about their angst towards the Flyers.  Look at it in any light, and there is nothing but hatred.  These  2 teams, their organizations, and their fan bases absolutely can't stand one another.  There are no hugs and handshakes being delivered after these two teams play unless one is sending the other home in the postseason.  To me, thats what a heated rivalry is all about.  No pleasantries, just pure volatile energy directed at the other team.

Tonight's Flyers vs Penguins matchup hopefully backs up my rankings, but I'm sure the Steelers and Ravens will do their rivalry diligence on Sunday afternoon as well.  I love all 3 of these rivalries, it brings out the best in the 2 teams playing.  What is the best Pittsburgh Sports rivalry in YOUR opinion?  Leave your opinion in the comments below!