A Bit Of Optimism

[Ravnet]

Now that everyone is being so negative, it's my turn to be upbeat.

[quote]Still, it's a little hard to be satisfied with beating an opponent that had entered the postseason with an 8-8 record. A team that also needed to win its last four games in a row just to make the playoffs and then won an overtime game in the wild-card round before taking a cross-country flight to temperatures more than 50 degrees colder than back home.[/quote] -[url="http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?i...s&confirm=true"]Carucci[/url]

Quite simply, this win by the Steelers is being ridiculously overblown. As has been outlined above, the Chargers came off of a long game against Indy, had to travel across the country, were forced to play in much colder weather than they're accustomed to, and remained an 8-8 team.

I was depressed yesterday because the Steelers looked great against San Diego, but I've now calmed down and come to the realization that the Chargers were just not a very good team, and they had everything working against them. San Diego had the second to last ranked passing defense in the regular season, and even though Big Jenn looked decent, the DETROIT LIONS had a better defensive backfield.

[quote]2. Can the Steelers rattle young Joe Flacco?

No. If Flacco has proven one thing through 16 regular-season starts and two playoff games, it is that he does not lose his poise. Ever. He does not show any sense of being overwhelmed by the challenge of guiding an NFL team in the playoffs. Nor does he seem to have any problem handling most of what opposing defenses try to do to throw him off his game.[/quote] - [url="http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?i...s&confirm=true"]Carucci[/url]

After their overall performance on Sunday, it's easy to forget that the Steelers gave up 308 (!) yards through the air yesterday, to a quarterback whom they were obviously getting pressure on, as is evidenced by the 5 sacks. Our defensive backfield is definitely banged up, but the Steelers aren't exactly in tip-top shape either.

Joe is poised to have a big game, and I can see him breaking out on Sunday. I'd still bet against Flacco being the deciding factor, but I still wouldn't be surprised if he led us to victory. Flacco is clearly getting better each and every week, and with this upcoming game, we can hope for a truly legendary performance out of the guy. Maybe, just maybe, we won't have to rely on our defense for once. After all, isn't Joe due?

[quote]The Ravens have a long list, but everyone should play except linebacker Antwan Barnes, who missed Saturday's victory over the Titans with a chest injury. The biggest question mark is linebacker Terrell Suggs, who injured his shoulder Saturday and didn't finish the Titans game. Suggs said after the game that he would play next week regardless of the extent of the injury, so don't count him out. The likely scenario is Suggs will dress and at least play on passing downs. The Ravens will have around 10 players on their injury report this week. Cornerback Samari Rolle suffered a minor groin injury Saturday, but he expects to play in Pittsburgh. He was questionable all last week because of a thigh injury. Safety Jim Leonhard suffered a minor concussion, but the team doesn't think he will miss much practice this week.[/quote] - [url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/notebook?page=lastcall08/divisional"]Clayton[/url]

Our injuries may not be as bad as previously thought. Although Suggs might not be in for the entire game, I'm encouraged by the fact that Rolle, Leo, and McClain should all be good to go. As I've mentioned in another thread, it's becoming increasingly apparent that the guys were simply worn down by having to play on yet another short week in Tennessee.

In Pittsburgh on Sunday, I trust that fatigue won't be as big of an issue as Ray won't allow his guys to let up in a game this big, against a team this hated. With a bit more time, and a very familiar opponent, I expect to have fresher legs this Sunday. Tangibly, we'll have more rest, more time to film study, and a sense of familiarity.

Don't get me wrong, I still don't like our chances, but things aren't all that bad. We're going to be hurt, yes. We'll have to play in Pittsburgh, yes. We lost to the Steelers twice this year, yes, but I truly believe that our guys want it more than the Steelers do, and that IS important.

[Ravens_fan]

Valid points made about the Chargers. Hopefully the Ravens extra day off this week will give them a little more juice. They did look pretty tired out there last week. I do think they can make the plays that turn the game in our favor.