Ravens Offense
1) Blocker power: By now, the Ravens know that going into any matchup against the Steelers, they must emphasize sound pass protection more than any other offensive key. Without left tackle Jonathan Ogden in the lineup, it will be that much tougher for Baltimore to keep the Pittsburgh blitz attack in check. But the Ravens have been solid in blitz pickup situations all season. They kept Steve McNair clean in the last game between the two teams in Baltimore.
If they want to repeat the same type of success, not only will the line have to play cohesively when they slide and maneuver to block rushers, but more importantly, the backs and tight-ends will need to be able to physically block blitzing linebackers and safeties. One of the most overlooked aspects of solid pass protection is how the backs and tight-ends handle their blocking duties. In that respect, the Ravens have gotten great play from backs Ovie Mughelli, Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson, as well as tight-ends Todd Heap, Quinn Sypniewski and Daniel Wilcox.
2) Tight-end attack: In a game like this, which may turn into a defensive struggle, it is going to be important for the tight-ends to play well. They will be counted on to catch the ball in tight spaces, move the chains and facilitate Steve McNair in the intermediate passing game. McNair may lean on the receiving tandem of Heap and Wilcox to in the middle of the field, especially if Pittsburgh uses their linebackers to rush the passer more than dropping into coverage.
Heap burned the Steelers in the previous matchup, and it would not be a surprise to see Pittsburgh use bracket coverage against the Pro Bowl performer, in order to force the other Ravens receivers to make plays. This is the type of game in which Wilcox (a terrific outlet receiver who can gain yards in the open-field) can take advantage of the coverage mismatches he may see.
3) Spider-Man 3: No, this section is not devoted to promoting the upcoming third installment of the Spider-Man franchise – although the preview does look really cool. The other Spider-Man, otherwise known as Demetrius Williams, deserves some attention too. Williams continued his impressive rookie season last week with a career-best performance against the Browns, catching two passes for 100 yards. One of those receptions was an electric 75-yard touchdown, a play in which Williams caught a deep ball in stride and was able to outrun defenders to the end zone.
Williams has developed into the most consistent deep threat on the team, leading the receivers with an 18.7 yards per catch average. He has deceptive speed, and the ability to contort his body to make an adjustment to the ball. Williams should be a focal point in the passing game on Sunday, especially if Pittsburgh uses press coverage and brings their safeties close to the line-of-scrimmage to help support the run.
Ravens Defense
1) Accounting for max protection: The Steelers will try their best to keep Ben Roethlisberger upright, a feat they could not come close to accomplishing in their last encounter with the Ravens’ defense nearly a month ago. In the last game between the two teams, Pittsburgh tried to keep their backs in to block the Ravens pass rushers, but the blockers were overwhelmed and beaten at the point-of-attack.
Even though they weren’t able to handle their blocking assignments in the last game, expect to see the same type of protection scheme used against the Ravens, but the hope is that the extra blockers will play better. In fact, the Ravens should account for some chip blocks, which would allow the backs to peel off of a defender and enter the flat area, so Roethlisberger can toss the ball away when he’s under duress.
The Ravens must make sure that they don’t bring too many defenders if Pittsburgh implements a scheme to account for that type of blitz attack. Instead, Baltimore should bring pressure with just four defenders, although they should mix up their looks and bring blitzers from different angles.
2) Cutting off the edges: The reason that Willie Parker was stymied against Baltimore in game one was because the Ravens were able to chase him off tackle. It’s important that the backs and lineman are able to move sideline-to-sideline in order to take away Parker’s outside rush lanes. If Parker is forced to run the ball up the middle, especially against Baltimore, he will not be as successful.
Equally as important is that the Ravens play with discipline and stick to their gaps when Parker looks to change direction and run off of a backside block. Overall, the Ravens must take away Parker’s ability to get into the open field, where he is so dangerous and nearly impossible to flag down.
One-on-one Matchup to Watch: Todd Heap versus Troy Polamalu: This is a standoff between two of the best players at their respective positions. Polamalu is headed back to the Pro Bowl at the conclusion of the season. Although he has been banged up all year, the rock steady safety has still played well, and is the nucleus of Pittsburgh’s defense. He has the speed and recognition to defend any tight-end, including Heap. That said, Heap has the size and leaping ability to give Polamalu fits, especially in the red zone area. Traditionally the Steelers use their linebackers to cover Heap, but given that he burned the Pittsburgh defense in the last matchup, look for Polamalu to be more involved in coverage to keep the Stormin’ Mormon in check.
