For the entire week leading up to the epic matchup between the Steelers and the Ravens I was inundated with inquiries regarding how I thought the Steelers could beat the Ravens. During almost all of those discussions the tipping point really came down to Roethlisberger vs. Flacco and/or the receivers.
Everyone that was pro Ravens kept saying that Flacco "was due" or it was "his time" to finally show he had what it takes to win in the post season. I stood my ground and said I'd take Ben just for the fact he is one of the best in post season play.
When that discussion faded the pro Ravens fans would always go to the receivers saying that the Raven corps as a whole was superior to the Steelers. I really didn't feel the same and would say that to the man I would take the Steelers receivers over the Ravens. Ward/Mason - I'll take Ward. Wallace/Boldin I'll take Wallace. Houshmandzadeh/Sanders - I'll take Sanders. Then who do the Ravens have? Stallworth? I'll take Antonio Brown or Randle El any day over Stallworth.
All week long I made this argument without stats to back it up. Today, as I watch the Bears blowing out the Seahawks I have some time to do some research, so let's see if I can back up my opinions with some numbers after the jump.
Ward vs. Mason regular season stats:
Pos |
|||||||||||||
WR |
61 |
802 |
13.1 |
50.1 |
42 |
7 |
9 |
2 |
44 |
72.1 |
0 |
||
WR |
59 |
755 |
12.8 |
47.2 |
43 |
5 |
14 |
1 |
35 |
59.3 |
1 |
Statistically pretty even, but Mason gets the edge. I would still take Ward for his attitude and leadership and big game experience.
How about Wallace vs. Boldin?
Pos |
|||||||||||||
WR |
64 |
837 |
13.1 |
52.3 |
61 |
7 |
10 |
1 |
43 |
67.2 |
1 |
||
WR |
60 |
1,257 |
21 |
78.6 |
56T |
10 |
26 |
10 |
48 |
80 |
1 |
I have to give a big edge to Mike Wallace. He dominates in almost every category and he (as well as all of Steeler Nation) only hopes to get better.
Let's check out TC Housh........ vs. Emmanuel Sanders:
Pos |
|||||||||||||
WR |
30 |
398 |
13.3 |
24.9 |
56T |
3 |
6 |
1 |
19 |
63.3 |
1 |
||
WR |
28 |
376 |
13.4 |
28.9 |
35 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
18 |
64.3 |
0 |
Again, very slight statistical edge to Housh. However, given the fact that Sanders is a Rookie and compared to T.J.'s experience and Sanders performed as well as he did this season, I'm gonna go with Sanders going into this game. Given how TJ performed in the game, I'm glad the Steelers have Sanders!
The rest... Stallworth vs. Randle El and Antonio Brown.
Pos |
|||||||||||||
WR |
2 |
82 |
41 |
10.2 |
67 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
100 |
0 |
||
WR |
22 |
253 |
11.5 |
15.8 |
34 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
15 |
68.2 |
0 |
||
WR |
16 |
167 |
10.4 |
18.6 |
26 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
62.5 |
0 |
Considering the fact that Brown sat out most of the early games it's a hard call as to which I would take between Randle El or Brown. I like RE's gadget capabilities, so I say sit Arnaz Battle and let RE and Brown both play!
When it all comes down to it I'll stand by my argument and say I would take, to a man, the Steelers receivers over the Ravens anyday. Now that the game is over I am very grateful for the team we have including our great receivers.