Pittsburgh and Baltimore are both gearing up for Steelers-Ravens III on Saturday afternoon as their rubber match will not only decide division superiority and bragging rights until next season, but who moves on to the AFC Championship game as well. To get you ready for the game I'm going to give you the best 5 match-ups to keep an eye on on gameday.1. Terrell Suggs vs. Ben Roethlisberger
The last time these two teams met they played in Baltimore and Suggs was a nightmare for the Steelers' O-line to block. Roethlisberger made a couple of great escapes after Suggs rushed past the line and Suggs made a couple of nasty sacks as well. Even though the Steelers won that game, Suggs was the best player on the field for the Ravens and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate the effort. It shouldn't be too much trouble because he hates the Steelers. The big question will be if Ben can stay away from him long enough to make plays.
2. Ed Reed vs. Troy Polamalu
Yeah, I realize these two will never truly go head-to-head, but they have a healthy rivalry all the same. They represent the two premier players at the safety position in this league and they both are invaluable to their respective defenses. Both Reed and Polamalu are known for making game-changing plays. I believe the game on Saturday could very well boil down to which safety makes the most big plays.
3. Ravens' D-Line vs. Steelers' O-Line
It is common knowledge that the offensive line of the Steelers has been their weak point all season. If the Ravens can stop Rashard Mendenhall and put pressure on Roethlisberger it will go a long way towards a win for them. However, if the offensive lineman of the Steelers can hold them back to give Ben time and open up a few holes for Mendenhall, then the Steelers could put up some points and frustrate the Ravens.
4. Mike Wallace vs. Ravens' Secondary
It's no secret that Mike Wallace is a dangerous receiver. He is one of the fastest players in the NFL and has developed into an all-around receiver this season. This match-up is very simple: for Wallace - get a step on the cornerbacks, for Ravens' secondary - don't let him get by you. If Wallace gets one of his patented 40 yard TD catches it is going to be a long day for Baltimore.
5. Ray Rice vs. Steelers' Front Seven
Rice is really the only play-maker for Baltimore. Flacco can still show signs of being a young QB at times (and fumble at in-opportune times) and the receivers are slow and don't get separation. Therefore, Rice is key in every Ravens' game. He can break big gains on the ground and is very dangerous catching passes in the flat and underneath. If you haven't noticed, the Steelers run defense is one of the most dominant in NFL history. They allowed 62.8 ypg this year, the best in franchise history and the third best in NFL history. If they Steelers stop Rice they essentially stop the Ravens' offense.
I hope you enjoyed the analysis. If you're good I'll come back before the weekend and write another match-up post (most likely for Jets vs. Patriots). I love divisional playoff weekend and I can't wait for this Steelers-Ravens grudge match.
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