Sports Then and Now

The Baltimore Ravens try to keep their playoff run intact. It’s going to be tough task, as the Ravens are going to be facing their

The Baltimore Ravens versus the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be a hard hitting game

arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

In the two games they played in the regular season were only decided by three points. So look for this game to be close to the very end.

It’s going to be a brutal fight, as both teams are hard nosed smash mouth football teams and they just don’t like each other.

These type of games are built for the teams that play dominating defense and that can sustain a running game.

In this game it’s going to take a lot of will power and strength to come away with the win.

There is not going to be much scoring in this game, but their will be a lot of jaw wrenching hits.

Josh Wilson and Mike Wallace should have a great battle in this game

Both the Steelers and Ravens have proven that they can run the ball with great success. So look for Ray Rice and Rashard Mendenhall to try and take the game in their hands and run with it.

If the Ravens get their running game up and running, then look for Joe Flacco to get some great chances to pass it down field and complete it to the likes of Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, T.J. Houshmanzadeh (who caught the game winning touchdown in the first meeting at Pittsburgh early in the regular season) and not to mention Rice has great hands and can have a big impact in the passing game and on offense.

On the other hand if the Steelers get their running game going, then look for Ben Roethlisberger to be able to move in the pocket freely and that means that he will be able to complete passes to Hines Ward or complete them deep to speedy Mike Wallace.

Another aspect to look at on offense with both teams is tight end, this position should have a big impact on this game.

Todd Heap for the Ravens who had a great 108 yard reciveing game in the wild card round of the playoffs.

Heath Miller for the Steelers who is a big part of their offense, he is especially is the go to guy for Roethlisberger when he is under pressure.

Now let’s take a look at the defense for both teams which is going to be what the game consists of mainly.

The Ravens defense just came off a remarkable game where they forced 5 turnovers. They are going to try to keep the momentum going in this game and play some old fashion smash mouth football. They will also try and take the ball from Roethlisberger and company.

The Steelers didn’t play wildcard weekend, so their defense got some much needed rest. Everybody knows the greatness that lies on the defensive side of the Steelers. So they pretty much are going to try and do the same as the Ravens and that is force turnovers.

The whole home field advantage comes into play in this game, but the Ravens are the best team on the road in the playoffs. So this really shouldn’t affect how the Ravens perform in this game.

Now for the big question rest versus momentum. The Steelers got to rest, as the Ravens had to play last week.

The Ravens are going to be in game form, as they played last weekend and got a win in the wild card game against the Kansas City Chiefs. So look for the Ravens to be ready to battle.

Now the Steelers are going to be rested, but it will take them a little time to get into game mode and that should play out well for the Ravens.

Will power against will power and strength versus strength, which ever team gives in first will fall this Saturday.

Get ready for a fantastic game.