Without Big Ben Pittsburgh Steelers face stiff challenge to beat Baltimore Ravens – NFL Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field stadium this Sunday (Nov. 18) in a total American Football Conference (AFC) North showdown, and without their star performer quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the squad they face a stiff
challenge to beat the Ravens.
Historically, the Steelers have not beaten the Ravens without Ben in the side and since recent record is also against them, a win will be hard-fought for them and not less than a miracle.
While the Steelers miss their offence leader Big Ben, who has been out on the fence nursing shoulder and rib injuries, Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco is riding on a momentum of speed, power and confidence, and is probably the main difference in the two offensive
lines.
Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh says of the situation:
"I think confidence is borne of success. When you do things well, it's a positive thing. It doesn't guarantee anything, just like if you're struggling the week before it doesn't guarantee that you can't do something. Every week does stand on its own, but
playing well is a good thing. We'd like to build on that."
Big Ben a day earlier admitted his comeback was rather a serious issue, and since historically there are hardly injuries like broken rib, his doctor or anyone else cannot determine a timeframe for his recovery and return to action.
Although he said he can move his throwing arm freely, he gets hurt and in pain when ribs move inside, which according to doctors also risks further aggravating his injury.
Ben said:
"I can move (the arm) around, that's not the issue. Sometimes when I do move it the rib will kind of pop out of place again, which is pretty painful. I just try to keep it as still as I can for the most part."
It is a serious setback for the Steelers given the timing of the injury is rather awkward. The team after having made rather sluggish start to the season had recently picked up winning momentum and Roethlisberger was their crucial and important contributor
of the wins.
The team (6-3) is just behind the Ravens (7-2) and a win can certainly equalise both on the points table. The main problem is that the team does not have a prominent player to offer cover for Ben’s absence. Their total dependence on one man has certainly
caused some serious worries for them.
Also, the team happens to be in a phase of transition that a substantial number of young players are playing just behind veterans for different positions. Once a veteran falls to injury or any other scare, the entire line at the back is completely exposed.
Nevertheless, the Steelers will need to work out a different strategy altogether to ensure they are not affected in absence Ben.
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