Ravens Vs Steelers Scouting& Matchups (imo)

[#1 D]

I did one last week, might as well thought i'd crack one this week:
This has arguably been the most anticipated game for not only for us Ravens fans, but for the players as well. This is not only a rivalry game to get us tied for first place and possibly set us up to win the division, but it's a grudge match long waited for, ever since that last game at Pittsburgh which Pittsburgh won (which should have clearly been a Ravens' win, but I don't wanna go there )
Here's how i see the scouting:

[b]Steelers' Pass offense vs Ravens Pass Defense: [/b]
The Ravens have lost both Chris McAlister and Dawan landry to season-ending injuries...but that doesn't mean a thing for the secondary in terms of strength. Jim Leonhard has a nose for the football and is in synch with the secondary and communication. Fabian Washington has stepped up and has proved, not only to the Raiders but us, that he can be a solid cover corner that can cover the better wide receiving corps in the NFL. But it's gonna be a test for the Ravens. Hines Ward has been, well, Hines Ward being an all-around tough receiver and Santonio Holmes with the speed and moves to easily burn. But, their passing offense needs a running game, which they don't. They don't have the league's best OL either. look for Rex Ryan to dial up them blitzes.
[b]Edge: Even [/b](why, because of Hines ward )

[b]Steelers' Run Offense vs Ravens' Run Defense:[/b]
Not much to say here. The steelers have been nick'd up with injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and a hurt Willie Parker. The Ravens have stuffed the Steelers up before, they can do it again.
[b]Edge: Ravens[/b]

[b]Ravens' Pass Offense vs Steelers' Pass Defense:[/b]
It was very noticable that Joe Flacco wasn't in synch with the offense last game. He seemed to be flat-footed, he wasn't accurate in some throws, and sometimes the receivers just couldn't catch the ball. But, I don't expect this to bother him one bit. Joe's been lately finding more and more of Mark Clayton and Todd Heap on crucial occaisions. Last game he connected with Mark on a third-and-short to convert, and he connected with Todd Heap on a late conversion, which ended up big. Flacco is learning to spread the ball around more and learn that there is more to life (passing) than Derrick Mason. Im not saying Mason isn't good, he's elite, but soon enough he won't have that elite talent with him anymore. As for the steelers' pass defense, they're #1 in the league and that says something. Troy Polamalu has been leading the secondary's way to success, and he'll probably have another solid game. Look for them to have zone coverage against us, learning from the Redskins' game.
[b]Edge: Steelers[/b]

[b]Ravens' Run Offense vs Steelers' Run Defense:[/b]
This will be exciting to watch. The best running defense versus a very capable run offense. The Washington Redskins are 10th in run offense, a drop from before and the Ravens ran all over them, topping 100 yards total, again. The past game vs the Steelers, Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain gained a total of 105 yards vs the steelers, which is a feat for such a good run defense.
[b]Edge: Even.[/b]

[b]Special Teams:[/b]
Sam Koch can pin you down deep in your zone. He's got the leg, and he's got accuracy. Although Matt Stover was injured, he'll probably be playing. but, the return game looks a little lopsided. Santonio Holmes has been brilliant returning the punts, and Yamon has not. Look for Baltimore to rotate punt and kick returners whenever possible, to seek other options and get Yamon's head straight.
[b]Edge: Steelers, only by a little.[/b]

[b]Intangibles:[/b]
The Ravens have won 7 of their past 8, including the past one in Prime Time versus a playoff-caliber team. This means a lot, because the last time we've won in prime time was, what, three years ago? This is a confidence builder and a huge momentum swing our side which will hopefully go into the playoffs. The Steelers have their momentum going, too. They just won a game AT Dallas, coming back 14 points in the last quarter for the win. Both teams are fired up for this game.
[b]Edge: Even. [/b]



[b]Game: Ravens, 24-17.[/b] It will be a tough match all 4 quarters, but somebody's gonna have to break loose. Looks like the Ravens will get the better end of the stick. Joe Flacco has enormously cut down from mistakes from that last game at Pissburgh, improved his awareness, and his vision. The Line has also been molding to one of the league's better lines in the NFL. Can't say that about the Steelers' line. Ben Roethlisberger wil get pressured inthe pocket often. It will be one rough night.

[b]Key Matchups:[/b]

[b]ILB Ray Lewis[/b] vs [b]The Steelers' running backs:[/b]
Ray Lewis has been all over the place this season, racking up tackles, as well as interceptions. Especially last game, where Ray Lewis was all over the place with 13 tackles, 10 unassisted, he's probably going to dominate the Steelers and their banged up running attack.
Edge:[b] Ray Ray[/b]

[b]James Harrison[/b] vs [b]The Ravens' OL[/b]
The OL, as stated before, has been solid with both run and pass defenses. They've handled big names such as Albert Haynesworth and Dwight Freeney. (yes.) But James is a bit more complicated than that. He, as an outside linebacker, has racked up 15 sacks so far this season. That is the most career sacks in the Season for a single Raven altogether (Peter Boulware, of course.). This will be a tough task, blocking this man.
Edge: [b]Harrison[/b]

[b]WR Santonio Holmes[/b] vs [b]CB Fabian Washington[/b]
Santonio Holmes is fast and can burn a defense with his elusiveness and speed. He is a constant deep threat. But, that should not be a concern with Fabian Washington covering him. Fabian Washington has the speed to keep up with Santonio and has shown up his past few games with his ability to cover very effectively. (see Santana Moss, that last game ) In terms of size, Fabian can handle Santonio. Santonio is not 200 pounds or 6 feet, which means Fabian keep tight coverage on Santonio.
Edge: [b]Even[/b].

Thanks for reading. thoughts?

[RAVENOUS]

[quote name='#1 D' post='102856' date='Dec 12 2008, 03:27 PM']I did one last week, might as well thought i'd crack one this week:
This has arguably been the most anticipated game for not only for us Ravens fans, but for the players as well. This is not only a rivalry game to get us tied for first place and possibly set us up to win the division, but it's a grudge match long waited for, ever since that last game at Pittsburgh which Pittsburgh won (which should have clearly been a Ravens' win, but I don't wanna go there )
Here's how i see the scouting:

[b]Steelers' Pass offense vs Ravens Pass Defense: [/b]
The Ravens have lost both Chris McAlister and Dawan landry to season-ending injuries...but that doesn't mean a thing for the secondary in terms of strength. Jim Leonhard has a nose for the football and is in synch with the secondary and communication. Fabian Washington has stepped up and has proved, not only to the Raiders but us, that he can be a solid cover corner that can cover the better wide receiving corps in the NFL. But it's gonna be a test for the Ravens. Hines Ward has been, well, Hines Ward being an all-around tough receiver and Santonio Holmes with the speed and moves to easily burn. But, their passing offense needs a running game, which they don't. They don't have the league's best OL either. look for Rex Ryan to dial up them blitzes.
[b]Edge: Even [/b](why, because of Hines ward )

[b]Steelers' Run Offense vs Ravens' Run Defense:[/b]
Not much to say here. The steelers have been nick'd up with injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and a hurt Willie Parker. The Ravens have stuffed the Steelers up before, they can do it again.
[b]Edge: Ravens[/b]

[b]Ravens' Pass Offense vs Steelers' Pass Defense:[/b]
It was very noticable that Joe Flacco wasn't in synch with the offense last game. He seemed to be flat-footed, he wasn't accurate in some throws, and sometimes the receivers just couldn't catch the ball. But, I don't expect this to bother him one bit. Joe's been lately finding more and more of Mark Clayton and Todd Heap on crucial occaisions. Last game he connected with Mark on a third-and-short to convert, and he connected with Todd Heap on a late conversion, which ended up big. Flacco is learning to spread the ball around more and learn that there is more to life (passing) than Derrick Mason. Im not saying Mason isn't good, he's elite, but soon enough he won't have that elite talent with him anymore. As for the steelers' pass defense, they're #1 in the league and that says something. Troy Polamalu has been leading the secondary's way to success, and he'll probably have another solid game. Look for them to have zone coverage against us, learning from the Redskins' game.
[b]Edge: Steelers[/b]

[b]Ravens' Run Offense vs Steelers' Run Defense:[/b]
This will be exciting to watch. The best running defense versus a very capable run offense. The Washington Redskins are 10th in run offense, a drop from before and the Ravens ran all over them, topping 100 yards total, again. The past game vs the Steelers, Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain gained a total of 105 yards vs the steelers, which is a feat for such a good run defense.
[b]Edge: Even.[/b]

[b]Special Teams:[/b]
Sam Koch can pin you down deep in your zone. He's got the leg, and he's got accuracy. Although Matt Stover was injured, he'll probably be playing. but, the return game looks a little lopsided. Santonio Holmes has been brilliant returning the punts, and Yamon has not. Look for Baltimore to rotate punt and kick returners whenever possible, to seek other options and get Yamon's head straight.
[b]Edge: Steelers, only by a little.[/b]

[b]Intangibles:[/b]
The Ravens have won 7 of their past 8, including the past one in Prime Time versus a playoff-caliber team. This means a lot, because the last time we've won in prime time was, what, three years ago? This is a confidence builder and a huge momentum swing our side which will hopefully go into the playoffs. The Steelers have their momentum going, too. They just won a game AT Dallas, coming back 14 points in the last quarter for the win. Both teams are fired up for this game.
[b]Edge: Even. [/b]



[b]Game: Ravens, 24-17.[/b] It will be a tough match all 4 quarters, but somebody's gonna have to break loose. Looks like the Ravens will get the better end of the stick. Joe Flacco has enormously cut down from mistakes from that last game at Pissburgh, improved his awareness, and his vision. The Line has also been molding to one of the league's better lines in the NFL. Can't say that about the Steelers' line. Ben Roethlisberger wil get pressured inthe pocket often. It will be one rough night.

[b]Key Matchups:[/b]

[b]ILB Ray Lewis[/b] vs [b]The Steelers' running backs:[/b]
Ray Lewis has been all over the place this season, racking up tackles, as well as interceptions. Especially last game, where Ray Lewis was all over the place with 13 tackles, 10 unassisted, he's probably going to dominate the Steelers and their banged up running attack.
Edge:[b] Ray Ray[/b]

[b]James Harrison[/b] vs [b]The Ravens' OL[/b]
The OL, as stated before, has been solid with both run and pass defenses. They've handled big names such as Albert Haynesworth and Dwight Freeney. (yes.) But James is a bit more complicated than that. He, as an outside linebacker, has racked up 15 sacks so far this season. That is the most career sacks in the Season for a single Raven altogether (Peter Boulware, of course.). This will be a tough task, blocking this man.
Edge: [b]Harrison[/b]

[b]WR Santonio Holmes[/b] vs [b]CB Fabian Washington[/b]
Santonio Holmes is fast and can burn a defense with his elusiveness and speed. He is a constant deep threat. But, that should not be a concern with Fabian Washington covering him. Fabian Washington has the speed to keep up with Santonio and has shown up his past few games with his ability to cover very effectively. (see Santana Moss, that last game ) In terms of size, Fabian can handle Santonio. Santonio is not 200 pounds or 6 feet, which means Fabian keep tight coverage on Santonio.
Edge: [b]Even[/b].

Thanks for reading. thoughts?[/quote]
wow...i saw this topic slide through, this is a good analysis...but i would disagree with you on this...
1. Santonio Holmes vs Washington--Santonio Holmes may get the edge here imo...Fabian still has to prove he should not be picked on.
2.Special teams=even. everybody thinks that our special teams sucks, but to tell you the truth, we have more than 1 very capable returner in our team, iwth Leonhard, Zbikowski, Figurs, Rice, and occasionally reed...heck, mason and clayton can be thrown in there too with a couple others...so i would say even.
but anyways that was a good analysis.

[Bullrush]

Bump, great job man.

[#1 D]

Here's the baltimoresun.com view of the scouting...
[url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-ravensscout1213,0,7162082.htmlstory"]http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/footbal...62082.htmlstory[/url]

[I*Bleed*Purple]

[quote name='#1 D' post='102856' date='Dec 12 2008, 02:27 PM']The Steelers have their momentum going, too. They just won a game AT Dallas, coming back 14 points in the last quarter for the win.[/quote]

That game was AT Pittsburgh, not Dallas. It's funny how we get the Colts, and Dallas away, but the Squealers get them at home

[#1 D]

[quote name='I*Bleed*Purple' post='103483' date='Dec 13 2008, 07:57 PM']That game was AT Pittsburgh, not Dallas. It's funny how we get the Colts, and Dallas away, but the Squealers get them at home [/quote]
aah, thanks for correcting me. In that case, the ravens look like they're in better momentum imo

[mpplaya07]

they get Tennessee away though soooo hopefully that brings them downa notch

[BringingtheBlitz]

[quote name='mpplaya07' post='103506' date='Dec 13 2008, 08:39 PM']they get Tennessee away though soooo hopefully that brings them down [b]another notch after we take them down tomorrow[/b][/quote]

Fixed your post