Key Ravens Vs. Steelers Matchups

[Terrellb2007]

I just want to hear some matchups and results from fans. I also would like to know some ideas and solutions for some of the matchups on both sides of the balls. Steelers fans and Ravens fans both. (NO TROLLING PLEASE KEEP IT CLEAN)

[PuRock]

The only matchup that this game really comes down to is Steelers front 7 vs. our O-Line.

[Terrellb2007]

True Oher and Harrison are going to be like two chinese fighting fish. I would like to see how much Heap would have to pick up Polamalu. We have to get the running game established early to make them pay for them blitzes. I wouldn't be surprised to see some screen plays. I hope they change it up and mix it like the KC game.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1294866270' post='602328']
The only matchup that this game really comes down to is Steelers front 7 vs. our O-Line.
[/quote]

Have to agree. I don't see other match-ups being very different from what we saw in the regular season.

For the Ravens to win though, the o-line will have to perform like they did in the first game against the Steelers.

[Jabara]

A key match up I look forward to seeing that played a key roll in the last Ravens/Steelers game, is Haloti's hand and Ben's nose.

[Hjulmann]

I believe the real challenge is Cam vs. Steelers D.. If Cam can pull out a wide number of plays and is a bit creative, he'll definately get the edge.. If not... Well, lets just say this game could have an early ending

[Terrellb2007]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1294866595' post='602334']
Have to agree. I don't see other match-ups being very different from what we saw in the regular season.

For the Ravens to win though, the o-line will have to perform like they did in the first game against the Steelers.
[/quote]

Yes it would be nice to see Bmore get that old offensive push that they used to get. I guess when you give and take certain attributes and players from one area you lack in another that's just the game a team can not be perfect I guess. Almost like creating a team in Madden.

[hawkprey]

Having Heap back on the O-line and as a target is the only thing our offense needed last game against Pittsburgh. With Heap in the game, Polamalu doesn't get that sack and the line holds up better for most of the game. So I'll agree and say Troy vs Todd.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Hjulmann' timestamp='1294866740' post='602339']
I believe the real challenge is Cam vs. Steelers D.. If Cam can pull out a wide number of plays and is a bit creative, he'll definately get the edge.. If not... Well, lets just say this game could have an early ending
[/quote]

Cam will be limited by what the O-Line can do. If O-Line can't hold up and they get tired, Cam has to reel it back a bit.

[Terrellb2007]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1294866672' post='602338']
A key match up I look forward to seeing that played a key roll in the last Ravens/Steelers game, is Haloti's hand and Ben's nose.
[/quote]

LOL. That was a good one. If #MATCHUP was a twitter topic you would definitely get my vote.

[Hjulmann]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1294866831' post='602343']
Cam will be limited by what the O-Line can do. If O-Line can't hold up and they get tired, Cam has to reel it back a bit.
[/quote]
Yeah, but with Todd back, he should eeze up Ohers job and help out with the O-line, which gives him the opportunity to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

[Terrellb2007]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1294866831' post='602343']
Cam will be limited by what the O-Line can do. If O-Line can't hold up and they get tired, Cam has to reel it back a bit.
[/quote]

True hopefully with LeRon back that will help with the blocking packages for when the line can't seal the edge or some leaks make it through. We don't need anymore famous POLAMALU karate chops. I visited the PITTS page and they are still talking about that. Hopefully Ed Reed is motivated to get a premiere 2-3 picks so that, I know he would enjoy that for his brother since that was one of his lil brothers wishes.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Hjulmann' timestamp='1294867103' post='602349']
Yeah, but with Todd back, he should eeze up Ohers job and help out with the O-line, which gives him the opportunity to [b]pull a rabbit out of the hat.[/b]
[/quote]

Some truly creative plays would be nice but I just hope we don't see WRs constantly running streaks.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Terrellb2007' timestamp='1294867239' post='602352']
True hopefully with LeRon back that will help with the blocking packages for when the line can't seal the edge or some leaks make it through. We don't need anymore famous POLAMALU karate chops. I visited the PITTS page and they are still talking about that. Hopefully Ed Reed is motivated to get a premiere 2-3 picks so that, I know he would enjoy that for his brother since that was one of his lil brothers wishes.
[/quote]

Too many times they have gotten forced fumbles deep in their zone. It really needs to stop. I will be pissed if I see a FF for a TD. Our record would be much better against the Steelers (and Big Ben) if we didn't allow two FFs that come to mind.

I am worried about our offensive line. I think our defense is fine and rested. But the O-Line looks battered and bruised. They looked so tired out there against the Chiefs at time. They can't be tired at all against the Steelers. Joe better be ready to scramble.

[Hjulmann]

[quote name='Terrellb2007' timestamp='1294867239' post='602352']
True hopefully with LeRon back that will help with the blocking packages for when the line can't seal the edge or some leaks make it through. We don't need anymore famous POLAMALU karate chops. I visited the PITTS page and they are still talking about that. [b]Hopefully Ed Reed is motivated to get a premiere 2-3 picks so that, I know he would enjoy that for his brother since that was one of his lil brothers wishes.[/b]
[/quote]
Yeah, would be awesome for Ed to do that for his little bro, problem is, though, that Big Ben is not stupid enough to throw anywhere near him.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1294867441' post='602358']
Too many times they have gotten forced fumbles deep in their zone. It really needs to stop. I will be pissed if I see a FF for a TD. Our record would be much better against the Steelers (and Big Ben) if we didn't allow two FFs that come to mind.

I am worried about our offensive line. I think our defense is fine and rested. But the O-Line looks battered and bruised. [b]They looked so tired out there against the Chiefs at time. They can't be tired at all against the Steelers.[/b] Joe better be ready to scramble.
[/quote]

Well they did play for 40 minutes including almost all of the 4th quarter. If it gets to that point against the Steelers, god bless 'em.

[OldGull]

I agree that our O Line vs their D Line/Linebackers is key. I would like to see a steady dose of no huddle to try to keep the Steeler's Defense as generic as possible.

[scrock]

Biggest match up is going to be our o-lines play versus their d-line...can we pass block and give Joe enough time to operate..and in the running game can the o-line get enough push so we can keep running it for positive yards. I know we aren't going to run all over this STeelers defense but we have to keep them honest and at least pose a threat in the running game.

Think, if the o-line blocked better in the last game in Baltimore, Joe doesn't get strip sacked and we most likely win that game. I series sweep of Pittsburgh and we are playing this game this weekend in Baltimore instead of Heinz Field.

The way the defense is playing this game is going to be about who can score Touchdowns instead of Field Goals.

Huge game, I can't wait and I wouldn't have it any other way. Ravens/Steelers is my favorite games of the year...

[edreedfromtheu]

Cundiff vs. Suisham.

Cundiff missed a field goal when the Ravens played in Pittsburgh earlier this season. Suisham isn't exactly playoff-tested...

I hope the game isn't AGAIN decided by a field goal, and that the Ravens have the game wrapped up before the 4th quarter... but I still think how each kicker plays is going to be crucial.

And of course, Flacco vs. Polamalu. PLEASE recognize where this guy is at before you snap the ball! If you don't feel confident in the play that's called and you don't know what to change it to... TAKE A KNEE! Anything but a turnover, especially when we have the lead!

Another match-up... whoever is guarding Mike Wallace. He is their only real deep threat. PLEASE, just don't let him behind you and the defense should be fine!

And maybe the most important match-up...

THE OFFICIALS vs. THE HOME CROWD

Do they choke in the moment, and let the crowd dictate them NOT throwing a flag on Hines Ward when he gets open by yanking a corner down by their facemask? Does he call holding just because Harrison raises his arms and flail like a baby?

[gabefergy]

Q, Mase, Housh, and Heap vs Pitt Secondary. If our receivers can get open consistently it will take some of the pressure of the O-line.

On a related note Cam vs. Lebeau. Can Cam dial up the plays needed to keep the offense on the field and put points on the scoreboard. We have been debating Cam's playcalling all year, but this is where it all matters.

[ryan23945]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1294866270' post='602328']
The only matchup that this game really comes down to is Steelers front 7 vs. our O-Line.
[/quote]
really, might wanna add 43 in there, 43 v flacco v our oline v ray rice and mclain as blockers v cam on scheming for him blitzing, theres a reason steelers record is so good with him in the line up and so bad without, imo hes the only player on the field that matters

[Hjulmann]

Joe vs our own O-line...

[codizzle]

Blitz pickup.. That's the only thing Im worried about with this game..

[D_UP]

Avoid at all cost the strip-sack.

[Ravensdiciple96]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1294878684' post='602509']
Q, Mase, Housh, and Heap vs Pitt Secondary. If our receivers can get open consistently it will take some of the pressure of the O-line.

On a related note Cam vs. Lebeau. Can Cam dial up the plays needed to keep the offense on the field and put points on the scoreboard. We have been debating Cam's playcalling all year, but this is where it all matters.
[/quote]

Well Cam had the right call and set up for our last TD winning drive in Pittsburgh the first game. Having Heap pick Troy up on that blitz, where Joe hooked up with TJ for that TD, could of very well ended up like what happened in our house for their second meeting.

I have been a hard critic on Cam all season, but hopefully the way they went out against KC slinging it to set Ray & Willis up and Cam finally finding the middle of the field will hopefully open up alot more. Granted 9 times out of 10 it wont be that type of game, but it just gives Pittsburgh a little more they have to focus on for this game. Hope it plays to our hand though. I have a very love/hate feeling for every time we play Pittsburgh, love it because it's the best game played each season (twice for that matter) and hate it because Joe still has that Ben monkey to shake off his back.

[reediddy]

[quote name='ryan23945' timestamp='1294902008' post='602692']
really, might wanna add 43 in there, 43 v flacco v our oline v ray rice and mclain as blockers v cam on scheming for him blitzing, theres a reason steelers record is so good with him in the line up and so bad without, imo hes the only player on the field that matters
[/quote]

Oh truly, I sincerely hope that our pass protection will be flawless this game. The Steeler secondary can be picked apart if Flacco has time.

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='Ravensdiciple96' timestamp='1294917959' post='602708']
Joe still has that Ben monkey to shake off his back.
[/quote]


Please explain to me how Ben is Joe's monkey. I am under the impression that Joe and Ben don't play against each other. Is it not the defense's monkey?

[T-ray]

The statement that Big Ben is Flacco's monkey is wrong.... Polamalu is Joe's monkey. Every game, Pola makes a huge play against Flacco to get the win. Every. Single. Time.

[frank cambra]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1294939955' post='602856']
The statement that Big Ben is Flacco's monkey is wrong.... Polamalu is Joe's monkey. Every game, Pola makes a huge play against Flacco to get the win. Every. Single. Time.
[/quote]
Except for the week four match-up, I don't think I heard his name.

[johnsonrick]

Here are a couple of ideas I have had: in a short yardage situation you put in Haloti Ngata and Ray Lewis as your backs, also Joe seems to have a problem seeing defenders coming at him from the back so how about some kind of audible code that the offense can use to let him know where the defender is coming from or which way he should go to avoid the defender. Just a thought.