Baltimore Ravens target win versus Pittsburgh Steelers to claim AFC North division – NFL Preview
In a total American Football Conference (AFC) North showdown, the Baltimore Ravens are due to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in front of their home crowd this Sunday (Dec. 02) only a win away from claiming the division title for second consecutive time.
The Ravens are in a better position given their defensive line has been strengthened by return of linebacker Terrell Suggs while they might have another surprise return from LB Ray Lewis. Both players have recovered from serious injuries of turn Achilles
tendon and sprained high ankle ahead of the schedule much to the surprise of their team.
On the other hand, Steelers are exactly on the opposite side as far as their defensive and offensive lines are concerned. From quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, QB Byron Leftwich, safety Troy Polamalu to linebacker James Harrison, all have suffered injuries
blows, respectively.
Absence of QB Ben Roethlisberger has greatly hurt their ability given the team has historically never won a game against the Ravens without Ben. Although the replacement veteran QB Charlie Batch has boasted his preparedness for the game, he seems to prove
a little help for them as far as a win over the hosts is concerned. His failure to perform well against the Cleveland Browns a week earlier is known to everyone.
Ravens QB Joe Flacco on other hand has been giving record-breaking performances this season. He himself said to have been enjoying the high-paced offence of QBs coach Jim Caldwell.
A similar offensive scheme is being implemented by Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley but without Ben in the line it can be little help to Batch. He is already 37, and running at a faster pace and releasing ball quicker than possible appear not to
be his cup of tea.
Amid all the uncertainty, Coach Mike Tomlin has tried his best to keep the morale of his team high while ambitiously speculating return of Big Ben and other key players. Ben himself has admitted to be a week away from return and still feels pain in his dislocated
rib.
The time is slipping away from the Steelers very fast as far as their playoff chances are concerned. With a win over them this weekend, the Ravens will be through to the second phase. Then, a real competition will be between them and the Cincinnati Bengals,
who have already edged past them.
The Steelers must win at least two-three games in a row and the Bengals lose on their end, the situation can then fall in favour of the Steelers. This can be when their entire bunch of veteran players is healthy, fit and returns to action as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, they face a daunting task of winning over the Ravens this weekend, and equally tough challenge to beat other sides in rest of the season.
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