The so-called experts are coming out in full force with their picks for tomorrow’s AFC Divisional game between the Steelers and Ravens, and a former Super Bowl MVP is calling for a Ravens win. On Showtime’s “Inside the NFL,” former Giants quarterback Phil Simms picked the Ravens to upset the Steelers.
“For the Baltimore Ravens, the difference is they’ve defined their roles on the offensive side,” said Simms, who covered the Ravens’ wild-card win at Kansas City. “Pittsburgh plays two-deep safety a lot. So that means the middle of the field: Anquan Boldin and Todd Heap, can you cover them both?”
In an interesting twist, former Bengals WR Cris Collinsworth picked the Steelers to win. “[Pittsburgh quarterback Ben] Roethlisberger wasn’t there the first time and he had the bad foot the second time,” said Collinsworth, a former NFL wide receiver. “I think he’s going to be the difference.”
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DrGeorge
January 14, 2011 at 10:42 am
Sims and Collinsworth can support their choices with all kinds of arguments, but it comes down to this: the Ravens’ defense over all is slightly better than the Steelers’ defense; the Steelers’ offense is slightly better at scoring than the Ravens’ offense; the special teams and kicking units are equal. Home field is no advantage between these two, as the regular season games showed.
The difference is that the Steelers have had two weeks of rest, the Ravens only six days. That does make a difference, an enormous one for the elder defensive players on both sides. Look for defensive fatigue in the Ravens in the fourth quarter. If the Steelers don’t beat themselves with turnovers and mistakes, they should win the rubber match with the Ravens on Saturday.
Now, two caveats. First, injuries. A loss to a key player on either side could make all this analysis moot and decide the game. No one can predict that. Both teams need their stars to win this one. Second, the weather. If wind, sleet, snow, or other field conditions impede the passing game — as often happens at this time of year — the team that can run the ball best, especially in the red zone, will win. Baltimore’s power rushing game is far better than the Steelers. On an off track, such as a slippery, frozen, windswept field, Baltimore has a decided edge. That scenario has been my worry for the Steelers all season long.
Thomas Crowley
January 14, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Don’t count on the ravens d getting fatigued dr george they were only on the field for a little over 18 minutes, the steelers d is more likely to get fatigued.
I’m not going to a whole alot except i like my ravens chances to win this game tomorrow
Wes
January 14, 2011 at 5:47 pm
The STeeler Def is By far a better def! Ravens cant stop the run like we do.. Both run games are even.. Ben is a much better QB than Flaco… NO ONE WILL COVER MIKE WALLACE he is way to fast..Timmons can cover Heap 1 on 1… ALL in ALL STEELERS WILL ROLL 31-17
GO STEELERS!
Thomas Crowley
January 14, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Really wes as i recall mike wallace did nothing against the ravens this year