The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will meet in Pittsburgh on Sunday, January 18 at 6:30 PM in a game that will be telecast on CBS-TV. The Ravens are coming off a 13- 10 upset victory versus the Tennessee Titans. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the San Diego Chargers 35- 24 in their first and only playoff game of the 2008- 2009 season.
Baltimore Ravens
During the playoffs, the Ravens’ defense has held opponents to an average of 9.5 points per game. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, who has completed about 50% of his throws, has made very few mistakes. He has been adroit at protecting the ball, proving to be impossible to sack or intercept. The club’s running game is its primary offensive weapon, featuring Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. However, in the last playoff game, which was versus the Tennessee Titans, Ravens’ rushers earned a total of just 50 yards. The Baltimore defense harasses quarterbacks, receivers and runners. Placekicker Matt Stover is solid.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ 35- 24 victory against the hard running San Diego Chargers was won primarily through the efforts of running back Willie Parker and the solid quarterbacking of veteran Ben Roethlisberger. The good health of Parker is instrumental in ensuring that Pittsburgh fields a balanced attack. Tight end Heath Miller, who had a touchdown catch least week, is a valuable asset, and Hines Ward offers reliable hands. Punt return man Santonio Holmes, who broke one for a TD last week, is tough to stop. The Pitt defense held the Chargers to just 15 rushing yards last week while the San Diego receivers caught three scores, posting 308 yards and averaging 14.7 yards per catch.
Keys top the Game
Baltimore *Run, run, run. *The defense must continue to be impressive. *Rookie Flacco must stay within himself.
Pittsburgh *Another big game from Parker will go a long way. *Roethlisberger needs to pass enough to keep the Raven’s “D” honest. *If the Steeler “D” can shut down the running game, then too much will be asked of Flacco for Baltimore to win.
My Pick
Look for the Steelers to win this one by seven points.