fordfixer
09-28-2008, 01:35 AM
Steelers' key matchup
By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, September 28, 2008
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 90518.html (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_590518.html)
Ravens' running game
vs. Steelers' D-line
The Ravens' running game: Two games into the John Harbaugh/Joe Flacco era, the Ravens are No. 2 in the NFL in rushing. Baltimore has clearly made a priority of not putting the game on the shoulders of its rookie QB and the approach is working. The Ravens are averaging 4.2 yards per carry, have scored five rushing touchdowns (Baltimore had 11 such scores a year ago) and they're possessing the ball for an average of 37:02 per game. They've out-rushed and out-possessed Cincinnati and Houston through their 2-0 start.
The Steelers' defensive line: The Steelers are No. 2 in the NFL in run defense and No. 2 in total defense, and their defensive line has played a prominent role in the posting of those rankings. But this time they'll be starting minus two injured starters (DE Brett Keisel and NT Casey Hampton). Keisel was replaced last week in Philadelphia by Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason. Hampton was replaced for 10 regular-season games and two playoff contests in 2004 by Chris Hoke. From the Steelers' perspective, the only thing better than quality depth is quality, veteran depth.
The matchup: Now that RB Willis McGahee (knee) is back, the Ravens will come at the Steelers with a three-back attack that also includes FB Le'Ron McClain and rookie RB Ray Rice (Rutgers).
When they get really serious about running the ball, the Ravens go to a jumbo package that includes former Bengals OT Willie Anderson entering the game as a third tackle and features McClain (6-foot, 260) and FB Lorenzo Neal (5-11, 255) in the same backfield.
The Steelers will have to be stout up front. It'll take more than the defensive line to hold Baltimore at bay on the ground and force Flacco into passing situations, but that won't be accomplished without the defensive line winning in the trenches. This one's going to leave a mark. Edge: Ravens
Last week: RB Brian Westbrook was injured early and was never really a factor. If only we could say the same about the Philadelphia pass rush.
Edge: Steelers (as it relates to Westbrook, not the game)
Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or 412-320-7923.
By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, September 28, 2008
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 90518.html (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_590518.html)
Ravens' running game
vs. Steelers' D-line
The Ravens' running game: Two games into the John Harbaugh/Joe Flacco era, the Ravens are No. 2 in the NFL in rushing. Baltimore has clearly made a priority of not putting the game on the shoulders of its rookie QB and the approach is working. The Ravens are averaging 4.2 yards per carry, have scored five rushing touchdowns (Baltimore had 11 such scores a year ago) and they're possessing the ball for an average of 37:02 per game. They've out-rushed and out-possessed Cincinnati and Houston through their 2-0 start.
The Steelers' defensive line: The Steelers are No. 2 in the NFL in run defense and No. 2 in total defense, and their defensive line has played a prominent role in the posting of those rankings. But this time they'll be starting minus two injured starters (DE Brett Keisel and NT Casey Hampton). Keisel was replaced last week in Philadelphia by Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason. Hampton was replaced for 10 regular-season games and two playoff contests in 2004 by Chris Hoke. From the Steelers' perspective, the only thing better than quality depth is quality, veteran depth.
The matchup: Now that RB Willis McGahee (knee) is back, the Ravens will come at the Steelers with a three-back attack that also includes FB Le'Ron McClain and rookie RB Ray Rice (Rutgers).
When they get really serious about running the ball, the Ravens go to a jumbo package that includes former Bengals OT Willie Anderson entering the game as a third tackle and features McClain (6-foot, 260) and FB Lorenzo Neal (5-11, 255) in the same backfield.
The Steelers will have to be stout up front. It'll take more than the defensive line to hold Baltimore at bay on the ground and force Flacco into passing situations, but that won't be accomplished without the defensive line winning in the trenches. This one's going to leave a mark. Edge: Ravens
Last week: RB Brian Westbrook was injured early and was never really a factor. If only we could say the same about the Philadelphia pass rush.
Edge: Steelers (as it relates to Westbrook, not the game)
Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or 412-320-7923.