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The Baltimore Ravens head into a Week 9 showdown with division rival Pittsburgh with concerns over the Steelers' newfound passing attack.
Those concerns are probably a little deeper now.
Reports surfaced Monday that cornerback Jimmy Smith, one of the top Ravens' defensive players so far this season, will miss Sunday's game with a sprained foot suffered against Cincinnati in Week 8.
The Steelers gained ground on the Ravens with a win over the Colts and the Ravens' loss to Cincinnati. The Bengals lead the division at 4-2-1 while the Steelers and Ravens are both 5-3.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, barring a massive systemic failure, will be named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 8. He threw for 522 yards and six touchdowns (both single game franchise records) in Pittsburgh's 51-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Ravens have been one of the more balanced and effective teams, particularly on defense and particularly against the pass. They have one of the better pass rushes in the league, and they'll need it more now than they did previously.