It’s officially Steelers Week.
However, this game has a different feel with all of the drama in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are reportedly fielding trade offers for running back Le’Veon Bell, and All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown also has butted heads with the team.
But just when you thought Pittsburgh was going to implode, the Steelers picked up an impressive 30-27 victory over mistake-ridden Tampa Bay on Monday night. Pittsburgh forced four turnovers, including three first-half interceptions off Ryan Fitzpatrick.
So, the Ravens were never taking anything for granted heading into this game. Expect another hard-hitting edition to the storied rivalry.
However, unlike Ravens-Steelers games of years gone by, which were marked by defensive stalemates, punt after punt, and low scores, these games have recently turned into shootouts. This time could very well see events transpire down the latter road.
The Ravens (2-1) are averaging 32.3 points per game, ranked fifth in the NFL. The Steelers (1-1-1) are two spots lower, scoring 29.3 points.
All three of Baltimore free-agent receivers — Willie Snead, John Brown and Michael Crabtree — are making an impact this season.
Antonio Brown has put aside his differences and is making big plays again. The Steelers are also getting production from JuJu Smith-Schuster and Vance McDonald, both of whom had over 100 receiving yards against the Buccaneers.
Ben Roethlisberger is second in the league with 1,140 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Joe Flacco is also off to a good start, ranked 11th with 889 yards six touchdowns and two interceptions.
This is shaping up to be another close game. The Steelers opened as 3-point favorites.
A win would be huge for both teams through the first quarter of the season.
“The biggest issue was outside the locker room, people perceiving different things,” Roethlisberger said about the outside drama. “Not saying we don’t have issues — all teams have issues, different things going on — but I think it was a little bigger than it really is.”
The Ravens are not totally convinced that Bell won’t play. However, that appears unlikely at this point.
“Wait and see. Wait and see. We’ll prepare for their offense,” Harbaugh said. “Of course, their running backs that they’re playing now, James Conner and Co., that’s who we’ll looking at mainly. But, we’ve seen Le’Veon enough to understand what he brings to the table and how he affects what they do.”
Heinz Field will be raucous with the Ravens in town, but Harbaugh and his players know what to expect.
“We’re going to play the Steelers on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Pittsburgh, and we know what that means,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to get their best shot. There’s no team that rallies for big games more than they do. They come up big for the big games, and playing the Ravens is a big game.”
