2007 Steelers - Week #9 Baltimore Ravens

Last Weeks Result

• Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 13
• Record: 5-2
• Standings: Sole possession of 1st in AFC North

Last Weeks Game Recap

This was a very strange game overall. For the most part this was a very clean game. The Steelers were penalized 3 times for 20 yards, while the Bengals were penalized 2 times for 10 yards. Each team committed a single turn-over. There were times when both offenses moved the ball well. And other times where the defenses of both teams stepped up to make a stop. Both teams turn-overs proved to be huge and pivotal points in the game.

The Steelers offense in the first half was very good. They only punted once in the game and that was the very first drive. After that they drove the ball all the way down the field and punched it into the endzone three times. Conversely, the defense was able to hold Cincinnati to 2 field goals, even though Cincinnati put together some long drives as well. At half time, the Steelers were up 21 to 6 and really hadn’t been stopped all day. The Bengals got the ball to open up the second half and immediately went 3 and out and punted to the Steelers. Ben and the offense marched all the way down the field to the 11-yard line and this game was quickly becoming out of reach for the Bengals. However, Ben throw a questionable throw that was picked off and basically kept this game in hand for the Bengals.

With new life, the Bengals drove down the field and finally punched the ball in the endzone.  Suddenly a game that was seemingly easy for the Steelers was a one score game.  The Bengals defense wasn’t quite good enough to prevent the Steelers putting up a field goal on the next drive and this made it an 11-point game with just over 6 minutes to go.  The Bengals got a good kick-off return and drove to the red zone quickly and appeared ready to make this an interesting game.  However, this last gasp for breath was quelled by Jame Harrisons strip and recovery of Kenny Watson.  The Bengals never saw the ball again as the Steelers were able to run out the clock.

To credit the Bengals, they played well.  This season has not gone well for them and a win against the Steelers would have really helped turn around their season.  They played like a team on the ropes, but at the end of the day there are just too many injuries on that defense to be effective.  The Bengals offense is still quite explosive, but there seems to be something amiss with the chemistry on this team.  A win is a win, but this is a game that the Steelers should have dominated on both sides of the ball.  While they did at times, there was a point in the 4th quarter that this was a one-score lead.  The Steelers need to play better to win against quality oponents.

Game MVP

Hines Ward (Offense) - It was nice to see Hines Ward looking like Hines Ward today. The obvious touchdown catches were just one phase of his game. He also had some seal blocks that allowed Willie Parker to get to the corner. Ward is so fun to watch when he blocks because unlike most receivers, he doesn’t just get in the way, he demolishes the defender.

James Harrison (Defense) - It was tough to see Joey Porter go, but Steelers fans had been watching James Harrison for several years and they liked what they say. Well today the man that replaced Porter in the starting lineup came up huge when needed. His strip and recovery put the game away.

Game Grades

• Offense: B - The offense played well today. Ben’s interception was unfortunate and actually kept the Bengals in this game much longer than they deserved to be. The offensive line wasn’t horrid, but continues to be less than championship caliber.
• Defense: B - The defense gave up quite a bit of yards today, but it was against a pretty potent offense. They gave up some big running plays, but mainly because they were playing in a lot of nickel and dime.
• Special Teams: C - Another week of uninspiring play by the special teams. The coverage teams were not very good at all. However, overall this unit neither helped nor hurt the overall team.
• Coaching Staff: B - The coaching staff came back decent after a loss. The offensive and defensive game plan were well put together. There were a few hiccups, but overall a decent job.
• Overall: B-

Season (Composite) Grades

• Offense: - C+
• Defense: - C+
• Special Teams: - B-
• Coaching Staff: - C+
• Overall: - C+

Next Up: Baltimore Ravens

I compare the rivalry with the Bengals to a little brother that finally beat you one time at something and you need to smack him down every once in a while to shut him up.  The Ravens on the other hand are a real rival.  The Steelers and the Ravens are the only teams in this division to win the superbowl and both teams have done it quite recently.  With the exception of a few down seasons for each team, these are both perennial play-off teams.  The players try to downplay the rivalry, but at times it feels that there is a real hatred between these teams.

There is definitely a hatred by the fans, at least by this fan.  I hate the Ravens.  I hate the tap-dancing, pile-jumping murdering thug.  I hate the smug, self proclaimed genius head coach.  I hate the color purple.  I hate the water boys, grounds keepers, and peanut vendors.  More than anything I hate that the Ravens swept the series last year by a total combined score of 58 to 7.

As with all good rivals, the records and all other things that have been done in other games go out the window.  It doesn’t matter what the Ravens or Steelers have done well or have not done well.  This game is going to be first and foremost about hitting.  This is one of the most physical rivalries in the league — this game will definitely not be about finesse.  These games are generally won in the trenches and this game should be no different.  It is a national game (Monday night) and a good chance for both teams to show the nation what this rivalry is all about.  All eyes and media attention will be focused strongly on the New England - Indianapolis show down on Sunday, but this game will have an intensity of its own.

This is one of those games in which it is necessary to establish a running game.  I look for the Steelers on offense to start this game out with some power running up the middle and then work in some play-action passing and maybe start hitting the perimeters if they open up.  On defense, it is imperative to not only stop the running game, but to get to the quarterback.  It appears that Steve McNair will start.  He has been very good against the Steelers and has proven that he can make the proper reads against complicated blitzing schemes.  It is hard to throw the ball from your back and I hope that is where McNair can end up on a good number of plays.

I think the Steelers have the momentum and the personnel to win this game.  It is another statement game and an opportunity to prove that they can beat a physical team.  The Ravens are coming off a loss and really have not played that great to date after having aspirations of running away with this division.  A loss puts them at .500 and a full 2 games out of first.  They will be ready for this game, but these are the kinds of games that the Steelers need to win if they want to be considered a contender.

Final Score Prediction

Pittsburgh 17

Baltimore 13