Steelers Hope To Shake Road Woes in Baltimore When They Meet Ravens This Sunday
by Michael Bean on Dec 9, 2008 3:50 PM EST
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PrintI've written quite recently about the Pittsburgh Steelers improved road record from a year ago. With two road tilts remaining on the schedule - at Baltimore and at Tennessee- the Steelers are assured of finishing the 2008 year with a winning record on the road. The team is 5-1 through 6 games thus far, with the lone blemish coming in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then, we've notched road wins at Jacksonville, at Cincinnati, at Washington, and at New England. Of course, the combined home record of those four teams is 9-17-1, with only New England carrying a winning record at home (4-3).
Nevertheless, our 5-1 record is a marked improvement from our 3-5 record away from Heinz Field in 2007. Included in our five defeats on the road was a Week 17 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. Now granted, we had already secured the AFC North and could neither improve nor hinder our playoff seeding that week, so we understandably rested some ailing bodies - most notably Ben Roethlisberger.
Still, the 21-17 loss in Baltimore was our fifth in as many years. Let's take a look at how we fared since the last time we won in Baltimore in 2002. What I'm paying close attention to is the lack of production on offense, and just how much worse we fared offensively than normal, by looking at the differential in points scored between our home and away contests with the Ravens each year.
| Year | Road Game @ BAL | Offensive Pt Differential Home vs. Away | Rushing Yards | Sacks Allowed |
| 2007 | 21-27 (L) | +17 | 46 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0-27 (L) | +7 | 21 | 9 |
| 2005 | 13-16 (L) | +7 | 70 | 6 |
| 2004 | 13-30 (L) | +7 | 93 | 4 |
| 2003 | 10-13 (L) | +24 | 56 | 5 |
| 2002 | 31-18 (W) | +3 | 104 | 0 |
| ------- | ------- | ------- | ------- | |
| 1-5 | +65 | 65 Y/G | 24 | |
Well the data all speaks for itself. Even in 2004, a year where we lost only one game, it was at Baltimore. In our SB year, we lost at Baltimore. As I mentioned in a recent comment, the 2006 road loss to Baltimore was maybe one of the worst games I've ever watched as a sports fan of any team. I was so proud of how the team had clawed its way back into Wild Card contention after a disastrous 4-7 start. BUt we did, winning our next four to improve to 8-7. I remember that game being awful, but I had forgotten just how bad. 9 sacks? 21 yards rushing? Ouch.
As you can see, we've scored more points against Baltimore at home than we have at their place each year. That's not surprising really, but I guess it's somewhat interesting that there's not even one exception to the trend.
This is stuff most of us already know, but as we head to Week 15 with the opportunity to wrap up the AFC North and the #2 seed in the AFC as well, it's good to know that if we are in fact able to accomplish a feat that we've only been able to do once in the past six years, we'll have yet another thing to feel good about this season, regardless of what happens afterwards.
Discuss.
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2006 Game
Do you remember, we were supposed to have like 11 but 2 or so got cancelled out because of penalties…
That was one hell of a game, though completely unlikely… as a ravens fan I’d love for sunday to be a repeat of that game
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
11 sacks... sorry for my lack of detail
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Dec 9, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
please no
Like I said, one of the most disappointing games ever for me in sports. Ravens were good I guess that year, but even if we stunk up the joint on offense, yielding that many points on defense to that particular Ravens offense was pretty unacceptable.
Great Post
The only caveat of 04, and the only loss until the AFC championship game, is that Maddox was playing like garbage, got his elbow messed up, and Ben took over; I remember Ben playing incredibly well and rallying, but the game was already a little bit too far out of hand.
That doesn’t really offer much in the way of an anomaly, which is what I was hoping for.
A win this Sunday will knock the Ravens a little bit back to earth. Which, as a Steelers fan, I view as necessary. A Steelers loss might be enough for Baltimore to rally into the postseason full steam ahead, which I don’t want to see.
I’ve offered my prediction, and stand by it: Pgh – 20, Bmore – 10. But ultimately, the only thing harder to do than win 4 in a row is to win 5 in a row. The offense is gonna need to show up for more than 8 or 9 minutes this time around.
easy guy to cheer for
But hard to believe we had Tommy Maddox for multiple years. Guess it’s hard to find a long term solution at QB in this league. We sure rifled through some mediocre options for a number of years.
Your defense is great
WHich partly worries me, because even though Cam likes to open the playbook and toss out plays no one is expecting your defense doesnt BITE very often.
Still, its a home game with the way our offense has been playing lately and if our defense keeps it up I think we should be able to take this game. I’m going with 24-17 Ravens…
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
What I like about this D in the game is...
they don’t give up the big play. Well, basically, they don’t give up anything but they really emphasis stopping big gains. Now what i see with the Ravens O is that they love the big play, Flacco can’t resist flinging it deep. Our CBs typically play 10-12 yards off the receiver so i don’t see Flacco having a fun time, not to mention Harrison and Woodley might be on his back.
Now The Ravens might be better off trying short passes but eventually Cameron and Flacco are gonna stop being patient and aim for the big gains.
I’m going to this game, pretty excited. Only second Steelers game I’ve ever gone too, neither of them in Pitt :(
Hope a don’t get murdered by the crowd.
Big Play?
Like a 26 or 35 yard catch by D.Mason… He had 137 yards on 8 catches… a couple big plays in there dont you think?
or maybe McClain on 25 yards because McGahee for 15 is probably too small…
your defense gives up big plays just like any other defense… In fact I believe your defense at some point gave up a 65 yd TD pass and a largest run of 40+ yards… Sounds like your D gives up a few big plays to me.
Our Defense is more developed than in week 4, I’m sure you can remember that billick offense that would only go for a play over 20 yards once a game… This isnt that offense, but I believe we’ve had some success with it… like I said before even a couple times against your team…
Now dont get me wrong, our defense gives them up too… so im not bragging about our D being better than yours… Because at least right now the stats would say I’m lying.
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Dec 10, 2008 1:19 AM EST up reply actions
what I meant was
They play to prevent the big play, well, at least the DBs do. Yes from time to time they give up a big play as does every D, but what I was getting at is that I believe the Ravens to really depend upon big plays too much. I didn’t count them but last time Flacco went up against us I think he threw it deep a few too many times.
To summarize, I believe Flacco can’t resist going deep and the Steelers do a pretty damn good job of stopping the deep gain. Therefore, Flacco’s strength is nullified.
ravens loss
it was a horrible loss at the ravens in 2006…only thing is, it took place in november not late december…we played them at home in home week 15, and loss 31 -7, though we were in contention until fast willie fumbled going in for a score…
31-7????
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Dec 9, 2008 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
The Rat Birds
are good. It hurts me to say it, but they are REAL good. I will go out on a limb and say it: the Steelers and Birds are the two best teams in the AFC (I know Tennessee has a better record, but they just don’t impress me…and their defense is not nearly as intimidating as the Steelers or Birds either). With that being said, this is the game of the week. Not only are the two most dominating defenses in the NFL going head to head, but arguably the most bitter, intense rivals as well. There will be nothing glamorous about this game, there won’t be one fan sitting down, or one player without a racing pulse.
For the Steelers to win, on offense we HAVE to control the line of scrimmage. We must run for at least 80+ yards, limit the sacks to 2-3, and NOT TURN THE BALL OVER whether via int or fumble. Controlling the time of possession will also greatly benefit us against the Birds as well. Ben must continue his improved play, and emerge as the leader we all need/want him to be. He has to take this offense by the reigns and lead them down the field CONSISTENTLY (and preferably before the 7 minute mark in the 4th qtr). I truly feel that in this game, the Steelers will live or die by Big Ben.
On defense…it’s simple: pressure the young qb Flacco (who looks to have a very bright future in this league) by collapsing the pocket and sticking with receivers, and then stuff the run. The Birds will look for the big play threw the air, and with Flacco’s big arm and above average speed at the wr position they should look for it. So, we can’t allow their receivers to get behind us in the secondary, something our db’s have done an exceptional job of this year. If the Birds can get quick strikes on offense and set the pace early, it could be a long day for us cuz you know Ray Ray and the boys will carry that momentum over on defense.
All in all, I can’t wait. With so much on the line, this late in the season, this could be a battle for the ages. I think in the end, the better all around team prevails, and the Black n Gold move to 11-3 and CLINCH the division with a 16-13 victory.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!! HERE WE GO!!!!.
bold statement
i won’t say either of us are better than the titans yet. ravens lost to them and we haven’t played them. but about their defense is so true but that running game is a bit intimidating especially if they don’t turn the ball over.
we don’t necessarily have to control the line of scrimmage because i do not believe we did in the first matchup. we only had 69 rushing yards but won the game. A difference in this game is that I think Ben has more confidence as before last game he had a horrible game and did not practice before the game i believe because of the shoulder injury.
That is big. We did not have the ability to stretch the field but instead struggled in that department along with his accuracy. He is coming off a pretty darn good stretch of four games with only 1 interception thrown and has not shown the Big Ben that was evident earlier in the season. I think he has a better game than last time.
That being said, his good play should open up our running game so hopefully we willl be able to post around 90-80 yards on the ground. Our defense has been playing better than ever so it is just going to be up to the steeler offense to take advantage of the oppurtunities the D gives so we can put them out of the game early. If we get a double digit, (10 pts) lead in the 1st half then in the second half we can just lay back and wait for the birds to roast. They are not going to come back with a rookie QB on that defense. It is critical that we do not play from behind because then Flacco is relaxed and the ravens can still run the ball to run the clock out and the Raven’s D are pretty good at finishing out an opponent. But they didn’t do that last time which leads me to my next point.
Raven’s fans say our offense stinks and that theirs is better but our offense has found a way to score when it needs to, mainly in the second half which could be a problem if the raven’s do get ahead. in most of our games we just hang in there, hang in there and then win the game in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Our offense only puts up enough points to win usually but i think this time around we need to attack THEIR HEART first. If we get two back to back scores on our first two drives or at least get 10 points up in the 1st Qtr then i see us winning pretty easily. If not, then its gonna be a close game.
And i am betting on the close game unfortunately
by Bleed-Black&Gold on Dec 9, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
we didn't control the line of scrimmage in the first game
and we almost lost. Furthermore, the Birds are playing exponentially better defensively (and offensively for that matter) than they were when we first met. If we don’t control the line, Ben will be hurried, hit, and on his ass far too much for our offense to be successful. Also, if we don’t control the line, then there’s NO CHANCE for FWP, Mewelde, Russell, Davis, McHugh, or whoever else to gain 80-90 yards. This Rat Birds defense is peaking (especially after a dominating primetime win over cross-town rival Washington) and will be fired up beyond belief to face the Steelers. The best thing for this offense (and maybe the whole team) is to go out there Sunday afternoon, and dominate guys like Ngata, Cody, and of course Ray Ray, Suggs, and ESPECIALLY Bart Scott. If we can go out and run the ball effectively on the first drive or two…that potentially can set the tone for the entire game for us.
Steeler football is all about imposing your will…running the football, and stopping the run….that starts being more physical, more violent than your opponent…and that starts at the line of scrimmage.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Dec 9, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
CANT WAIT FOR THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!
It doesn’t get any better then this. The Ravens and Steelers meet with the division on the line and also the #2 seeding. Both teams will give everthing they’ve got and some. I believe this game will be determinded on a huge turnover. Rather that be a interception return by Ed Reed or a Sack forced fumble by James “DeBo” Harrison!
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
man
You had two great uncles leading you down the right path and you got wayward and adopted the Ravens?? Hmmm, kids and their insistence on independence :)
I can’t wait either!
Don't forget that we could have won at the Ravens last year.
We chose to rest our starters instead and still barely lost. Just a thought.
I actually think BA, yes Bruce Arians, might plan well for this game. Crazy I know but I think when he knows he’s playing a great D he makes better calls. I think the lesser defenses (or ones that don’t have a reputation for being tops in the league year in and year out) take him by surprise and he has no answer for them.
I expect him to call a lot of short passes, to Heath and Mewelde especially. Don’t look for much in the running game, needless to say.
Also, and I dont know why I am thinking of this (we all know how BA ignores gadget plays) but I think he may go for one in this game to kind of stick it to the Ravens, might even be a similar play to what the Ravens have done this far.
I really don’t know where my faith in BA came from for this game, and this game alone, but or some reason I just got a feeling.
I’ve got to believe the O will get it together, and why not against the only D that is close to ours (though still not as good mind you)
Good Feeling
I have a good feeling about this one fellas. I went and looked at The Crows schedule yesterday. You know what I found? The Crows have been doing it against the weaker teams, but haven’t beaten one quality team. The Steelers have held the teams that The Crows got blown out by to less than 300. Hmmm…That leads me to believe that The Crows defense is not in The Steelers’ class.
Sure, Joey Flaco (Again, flaco is spanish for skinny) has been doing okay, but now we have much more game film on him. There is no way this guy puts up points. Certainly not what the Crows’ fans here are thinking! Those foolish predictions let me know just how worried they are. I mean, which is more likely: Big Ben steps up and performs even with large linemen hanging off of him, or Flaco is able to perform with his tackles getting whipped by Harrison and Woodley, consistantly?
Of course, this is a big, tough game. The Crows field another of those pesky 4-3 defenses. So, (You all know what I’m going to say next) how The Steelers offensive line performs is key. Get ready for the blitz. The question is: Has BA learned about beating the preasure defense? I’m just guessing here, and using a little recent history, but, no. I mean, sure.
Last time, The Steelers were just discovering M&M. This time they know and can use him more effectively. Both Santonio and Nate are deep threats. Willie is back. Stapleton is an upgrade, Ben is playing better, the D is better…I just feel good about this one.
Back to paragraph one. The Crows’ defense can be had. Look at the games. Remember the Nate Washington touchdown. If Big Ben is on his game and controls the first quarter gift giving, the Crows will not be able to hang. The Steelers hung with the Giants, and hung with The Colts, The Crows did not.
GO STEELERS!!!
yeah and you lost to the eagles
I fail to see your point….
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Dec 10, 2008 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
He mentioned we've only beat weak teams
But we’ve all lost to the same teams with the exception of you all beating us (which of course you can’t lose to yourselves) & the Titans whom you havent played yet. On the other hand, we have beaten a team that you lost to, where so far you havent beaten any teams we’ve lost to.
In the NFL a win is a win, a loss is a loss so the fact that we lost to 2 teams (the manning brothers) by significant points means nothing… Not to mention that you lost to both of those teams at home, while we lost to them in there house.
But back to my original point, an example of that being the Giants who lost to the browns, jets beating the titans, last years dolphins getting there sole win against last years ravens, eagles beating the giants… anyone can lose to anyone in the NFL, so yes we are proud of our wins over teams with non winning records because we could have just as easily have lost to those teams out of nowhere…
Also at this point we’ve beaten 3 teams with winning records, the Dolphins, the Eagles & the Redskins… as I said before one of which you lost to…
ALL THIS MEANS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! which is why I said I fail to see your point… your just spewing up random info that really will have no effect on the game….
NOTE: we run a 3-4 not a 4-3… ngata, bannan & pryce THEN suggs, scott, lewis & johnson
also at your “last time” about M&M, last time we were still learning about “Flacco”, it all evens out and becomes irrelevant…
Hope that made sense, I tend to rant
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Dec 11, 2008 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
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