Don’t worry I’m not going to make you relive that horse poo performance from last week. The Steelers offensive staff, players, and head coach Mike Tomlin better be far better prepared this week for whatever the Ravens defense throws at it. I will say this, when the Colts and Ravens lit up the Steelers offense over the past 3 seasons, The Steelers were missing starters across the offensive line….That was not the case Sunday night…The Steelers starting offensive line was embarrassed like that. Larry Zierlein Kirby Wilson and James Daniel must have their units better prepared assignment and technique wise. Bruce Arians is awful…After 2 years I’m still looking for his strengths as an offensive coordinator. At the end of the day Mike Tomlin is responsible for the preparation of the coaches and players…The coaches and players failed…That’s a reflection on Mike Tomlin in my eyes.

Did you know?

Pittsburgh owns a 15-10 (including postseason) record all-time against the Baltimore Ravens, including a 9-4 mark at home.

Pittsburgh ranks first in the AFC and second in the NFL in rushing defense.

Since 2002, Hines Ward leads the NFL with 36 red zone touchdowns.

After three games, only three Steelers have scored points: Willie Parker: 3 rushing Td’s Hines Ward: 3 Catches for Td’s Jeff Reed: 6 extra points, 4 field goals

Ravens with the Ball

The Ravens want to control the clock and run the ball…The Ravens offense is more basic than the Ravens 2000 offense led by Trent Dilfer or the 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers offense led by Ben. John Harbaugh is a mini Bill Cowher…He wants to run the ball and play good defense and special team’s…Harbaugh did a very nice job of assembling a coaching staff. Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is a terrible head coach. He is a very under rated offensive coordinator. Cameron utilizes a power running game with multiple sets and shifts…He likes to dictate the pace of the game…He will go no huddle to limit the ability of the defense to substitute players on the field…When the Ravens go no huddle its not a fast offense…They will sit at the line of scrimmage before getting into the play. The Ravens offensive line has dominated the two Ohio based teams of the NFL…The Ravens offense will be tested this week.

Matchups

Ravens run game

Ravens left tackle Jared Gaither sure looks the part…The Steelers will really miss Brett Kiesel’s athleticism this week…Travis Kierschke when healthy is a quality back up…When forced into a starting role he struggles against quality NFL tackles. Fortunately I would not call Gaither a quality tackle…He struggles to get movement in the run game because he fails to bend his knees…He plays far to upright…The combination of Kierschke and Roye should hold the point of attack against Gaither. Ravens left guard Ben Grubbs is a quality run blocker in a phone booth…He is not a very good run blocker at the second level…My biggest fear this week is Grubbs on down blocks against Chris Hoke…Grubbs will have little to no problems moving Chris Hoke with a down block in the run game…Grubbs did a very nice job last week on Shawn Rogers of the Browns…No Casey Hampton this week is a huge loss…Hampton’s impact on this defense is often over looked and understated; Chris Hoke must play a great game if the Steelers expect to slow down the Ravens run game…I believe Jason Brown is the Ravens best offensive linemen…He was a very good guard…He is a fantastic center who deserves Pro Bowl consideration. If Hoke can hold the point and force stalemates at the point of attack the Ravens offense will be screwed…If the Ravens interior offensive line controls Hoke…I expect the Steelers to start stunting and blitzing to fill gaps...Ultimate risk/ reward result. Right offensive guard Marshall Yanda is the Ravens weak link…He is a lot like Kendoll Simmons…He does nothing well. Right offensive tackle Adam Terry and a healthy Aaron Smith should be fun to watch…Terry got the best of an injured Aaron Smith in 2006…I expect some payback this week…Aaron Smith looks healthy and nasty to me. One matchup I absolutely love for the Steelers is the Ravens Tight ends and the Steelers outside linebackers in the run game…The Steelers should control these matchups and make some plays in the back field. The Ravens want to run the ball 35-40 times in this game…If the Steelers can control the Ravens run game between the tackles I see no way the Ravens can get the edge on this defense.

The Ravens have a lot of talent at running back. I think Willis McGahee is a cancer who will quit if he really gets popped…McGahee will only get yards the offensive line gets for him…Ray Rice is a bigger concern to me…He runs hard and he can cut in and out of a hole in an instant…He runs hard…And by no means is he a “little back”.  He also has the burst to get the edge. Ravens Fullback Le’ron McClain is a beast…He is the prototype fullback for a power running football team; he is also a dangerous short yardage runner. The Ravens Tight Ends and Wide Receivers attempt to get in the way in the running game.

Ravens passing game

If the Ravens running game fails to be productive…I don’t believe Flacco or the Ravens Wide receivers can make plays against this defense. Ravens left tackle Jared Gaither is 6-9 with very long arms and decent foot movement in a limited area…Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison embarrassed Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden on Monday Night Football last season…I do not expect Harrison to repeat that performance this week…Though its very possible. Gaither is very slow getting out of his stance and into his set in pass protection. Ben Grubbs and Marshall Yanda are very good pass protectors for  players with such limited arm length…Grubbs has quick feet and a high football IQ Yanda is workmen like and steady in pass pro…Grubbs and Yanda’s  ability to read the blitz will be paramount if the Ravens expect to pickup the Steelers blitz packages. I’m very interested to see Kierschke/Eason/Roye and Smith against the Ravens guards in pass protection…The Steelers interior rushers must force Flacco to feel uncomfortable inside of the pocket. Adam Terry is a natural left tackle playing Right tackle for the Ravens. I expect Lamar Woodley to have a big game against the Ravens. Terry will struggle with Woodley’s power game…He will be forced to adjust to the power game…Woodley will catch Terry leaning and beat him to the edge…Woodley is without a doubt the Steelers best edge rusher since Kevin Greene.

I fear no weapons in the Ravens passing game. Mark Clayton lacks heart, Derrick Mason is three years past his prime, Demetrius Williams when healthy is a vertical option for the Ravens…He is rarely healthy and he will get alligator arms if a defender is in the vicinity of the ball…Yamon Figures is a dangerous returner; he has showed little to nothing as a receiver. Todd Heap will make plays and he is the only legitimate weapon in the Ravens passing game…He lacks the deep speed to be considered a true weapon…The Ravens second Tight End  Daniel Wilcox is a converted college Wr…He is short, slow and runs very ugly routes. The Ravens run a ton of screens and attempt to incorporate the running backs in the passing game…

The Steelers must maintain rush lanes and tackle. The Steelers will force Flacco to beat them…I can’t see a way the Ravens wide receivers beat coverage…The running backs and Heap are the Ravens only chance to make plays in the passing game.

The Steelers front 7 must control the line of scrimmage. They must eliminate the Ravens run game.

The Steelers safeties can not play over aggressive and blow coverage’s in the play action game.

The Steelers must account for the running backs in the passing game…Take away the check downs, force Flacco to make difficult throws.

Steelers with the Ball

Bruce Arians you need to look in the mirror and realize a few things. Your lucky to still have a job, if you call another game like last week you could get Ben killed which may lead to your untimely demise…The people of Pittsburgh waited 21 years for another franchise quarterback…If you get him killed they may draw and quarter your arrogant ass. The Steelers must improve in many aspects…Time management is the most obvious. The Steelers must break the huddle with at least 15 seconds on the play clock…This allows time for Ben to set the formation, pass protection and audible if need be…It also allows Ben to vary the snap count…It’s the only advantage the offensive line has.

Matchups

Steelers run game

Haloti Ngata is a rare specimen as a 34 right defensive end…He is 340 pounds and he can chase plays to the edge…Ngata is the best end against the run in the NFL. Marvel Smith will be lucky to seal Ngata away from the ball carrier; I will be perfectly content if Smith doesn’t get driven four yards in the backfield. Chris Kemoeatu did a very nice job against the Browns and Texans…He was awful against the Eagles…Kemo must look to punish Ravens defenders every single run down…The Ravens will be missing starting nose guard Kelly Gregg this week…I believe Justin Hartwig can handle Justin Bannan (Gregg’s replacement at nose guard) without much help…Bannan is a poor man’s Chris Hoke…He tries real hard, but at the end of the day, he is not a starting caliber NFL player…Kendoll Simmons must get to the second level and block somebody. Simmons is beyond awful…He is hopeless. Willie Colon and Trevor Pryce is the marquee matchup this week in the run game…Pryce is still a quality player…He is not the dominant player from 2006…He has lost a step…He is not the strongest player at the point. I believe Pryce will not only control but he will dominate Willie Colon in the run game. I have no clue how the Steelers don’t give Starks a shot at right tackle…Starks may struggle in pass protection; I have zero doubts he would move the line of scrimmage in the run game.

Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth played like little girls last week…The Steelers Tight Ends must get a hat on Suggs and Johnson in the run game…They don’t have to blow the Ravens outside linebackers off the ball…They must get in the way. The Steelers may struggle to get movement in the running game…They can not abandon the run game. The Ravens are very aggressive on defense…They blitz, they line stunt…They can be gashed in the run game…The Steelers offensive line and Tight ends can not play in the offensive back field.

Rashard Mendenhall gets his first chance to shine. Monday Night Football against the Ravens in Pittsburgh…Wow. Mendenhall must protect the freaking ball…All together now…High and Tight. Mendenhall has to run behind his pads and attack the hole. I like Mendenhall a lot…I have a feeling he takes advantage of his opportunity to play. The Ravens defensive backs and linebackers better be prepared to tackle a big back.

Mwelde Moore is the Steelers wild card if Mendenhall fails to meet expectations. Moore is a NFL proven commodity…He runs hard and smart.

Carey Davis is a piece of poo…He is awful and he must be replaced…He is a joke as a lead blocker.

The Steelers Wide Receivers must make a difference in the running game…I wonder if Ed Reed or Bart Scott will be looking for Hines Ward?

The Steelers must be better prepared this week than last. Football is a simple game…Its all about blocking and tackling…The team that blocks and tackles better will win this game.

Steelers passing game

The Ravens defense shut down the Browns passing game. The Ravens recorded 5 sacks and had 3 interceptions…This Ravens defense is better then the 2007 version. Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister traditionally play either lights out or like poo against the Steelers. Ward and Holmes must beat coverage and make plays for Ben. Corey Ivey is very under rated…Ivy does a great job in coverage against Tight Ends in nickel looks. Ed Reed when healthy is the best Free Safety in the NFL and it’s not even close…Ed Reed is playing through some injuries…He is a ball hawk who can make a game breaking play in a blink of the eye. Fabian Washington has the speed and athleticism to cover Nate Washington all over the field. The Ravens corners matchup very well with the Steeler Wide Receivers.

The Steelers best chance to pass the ball is out of base formations. The Steelers must pickup the blitz (we will get to that) and they must dictate matchups. The Steelers must force Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs, Jarret Johnson and Jim Leonhard to cover people. The Steelers must exploit matchups when the Ravens blitz.

Carey Davis, Rashard Mendenhall, Matt Spaeth, Sean McHugh, Mwelde Moore must be involved in the passing game...These players must be used as weapons…They can not be wasted like Pawns by just blocking in blitz pickup.

How the Hell are the Steelers going to block the Ravens upfront….Glad you asked.

-Step number 1... Should sound kind of familiar

The Steelers must break the huddle with at least 15 seconds on the play clock…This allows time for Ben to set the formation, pass protection and audible if need be. Also allows Ben to vary the snap count…It’s the only advantage the offensive line has.

-Step number 2…Every player on the field must know what the hell to do on a particular play. Linemen and backs must know who to block…Backs Tight Ends and Receivers must know what routes to run.

-Step 3…Protect your damn quarterback

Marvel Smith and Terrell Suggs continue their on going feud…Suggs’ motor makes him special…If Smith gets out of his stance and into his pass set he will have no problems with Suggs…I have confidence in Marvel to protect Ben’s blindside. Kemo and Ngata will be a fierce nasty street brawl…Kemo can not overextend and must keep his feet moving…His punch from a pass set will slow down the biggest and baddest of defensive tackles. Justin Hartwig must keep his head on a swivel…Hartwig is a major upgrade over Mahan…He is no where near the player Hartings was…Hartwig looked lost at times in blitz pickup…He must get his head around the blitz pickups. Kendoll Simmons sucks. I hope he can get in the way and slow down Trevor Pryce…Simmons gets in trouble because he lacks the arm length, strength, and technique to anchor against quality interior pass rushers…Simmons must hold up in pass protection…His play has been progressively worse as the season has gone on…If Simmons repeats his Sunday evening performance; Ben may struggle to walk again. Willie Colon and Jarret Johnson should be interesting…I have zero respect for Willie Colon…I mean he is freaking awful…More useless then tits on a bull…Jarret Johnson is decent…In my opinion…Willie McGinest is a better pass rusher then Johnson…Colon did a decent job against McGinest…So I have some hope Colon will take care of business this week.

Ben must protect the ball…More important then protecting the ball…Ben must get rid of the ball and not take the pounding he did last week… He can take a dozen grounding penalties I don’t care…Don’t take needless hits.

Coaching will be key…The Steelers must have there s@!t together this week.

Special Teams.

I call the kicking game even. Yamon Figures is a very dangerous returner…The Steelers must keep there lanes when covering kicks…The Steelers return game sucks. The Ravens have a distinct advantage in the return game.

Score

Ravens 9

Steelers 23