As kickoff draws near this game for obvious reasons just doesn’t have the same electric vibe to it as nearly all other Ravens v. Steelers slobber-knockers.
But something tells me that when all of the distractions are removed and the ball sails end-over-end through the September night this will be a game to remember – like most that involve these two teams.
I must admit that I do have some concerns about what might happen off the field, in the stands and tailgate lots. Some fans will proudly and defiantly don their Ray Rice jerseys. That is bound to bait edgy fans, both Ravens and Steelers, who just may have been pre-gaming a bit too long in the tailgate lots and nearby watering holes.
I hope that I’m wrong.
I also hope that there are no camera shots of owner Steve Bisciotti’s suite. I’d hate to see an owner who has been spectacular for the fans of Baltimore to be the recipient of boos. That might leave a scar.
Lastly, you are on the world’s stage Bmore.
Bring it accordingly!
With that in mind, when I’m not watching the crowd or the ball, here’s what I’ll be looking for.
1. LARDARIUS WEBB: How is he moving? Is he tentative? Are his change-of-direction skills sharp enough to stay with the dangerous and elusive Antonio Brown?
2. BERNARD PIERCE: Can he bounce back and will he be a willing protector of Joe Flacco and adeptly pick up blitzing linebackers? Justin Forsett despite being about 30 pounds lighter is a much better pass blocker, a skill that is key when facing the active front seven of the Steelers.
3: EMPTY BACKFIELD, EMPTY HEAD: Joe Flacco in key situations with an empty backfield goes into vapor lock. You may recall back in 2010 when Troy Polamalu came off the edge to get a game altering strip sack on Flacco. Then again last week the Bengals overloaded the weak side with a blitz that either Flacco failed to recognize or didn’t have the mental wherewithal to adjust. Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will surely see if Flacco is better prepared this time around.
4. NGATAGAIN: What do the Ravens have anymore with Haloti Ngata? He disappears from games far too often and despite his size and strength he seems to get moved around like he’s on roller skates. The behemoth defensive tackle has had good games against the Steelers in the past. Will he get one tonight?
5. BROTHER DARYL: Last season Daryl Smith was a pleasant surprise and was a great contributor to the team’s pass defense. He leaves a lot to be desired in the middle of the field as a run stopper and struggles to disengage from blocks. But at least last season he seemed to accelerate to his spot more quickly. Against the Bengals he looked like he’s aged considerably, even when defending the pass.
6. SCREAM SCREEN: Throughout the preseason and during the season opener the Ravens defense has struggled to defend screens, particularly those to the tailbacks. The guys on the edge haven’t done a good enough job diagnosing the plays and adding to their defensive leakiness is poor open field tackling as defenders attempt to sift through blockers. Le’Veon Bell looked great in the open field against the Browns last week so it will be critical for the defensive ends and linebackers to read their keys effectively.
7. PLAYER BODY LANGUAGE: The 53-man roster lost “a brother” this week – a player who has been instrumental to the team’s success during the Harbaugh Era and one who was a staple of the organization’s in their community efforts. Of course I’m talking about Ray Rice. If the Ravens fall behind, will the weight of that loss become their focus and disable any comeback attempt?
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