Steelers Vs. Ravens Game Will Be Wild
By Lori Paddock
The Steeler-Ravens wildcard game promises to be wild, just like any time they meet. Hopefully there are no season-ending injuries that impact future games.
Many would say that it would not be an entertaining game if the Steelers are not challenged by the Ravens. I tend to agree; however, the risk of injury at such an important time of year is a concern. The next-man-up is getting thin in a few spots. Ben Tate’s signing shows that.
When the Steelers and Ravens go at it, injuries seem to pile up. I still wonder how Haloti Ngata’s forearm got through the mask to break Ben Roethlisberger’s nose. His injury list from Ravens games is rather long, according to Ron Cook of the Trib.
I can’t find any stats on the injury rate in games against the Ravens compared to playing other teams, but this match up produces some of the more violent games in today’s NFL If injuries pile-up, the Steelers chances of competing well at the next game (assuming they advance) go down. Yes, Captain Obvious. We know.
I’m not suggesting that the Steelers have to play it safe. It’s win or go home time and they have to bring it all. However, I sort of wish that a third game against the Ravens wasn’t what stood between the Steelers and advancing in the AFC playoffs. Sort of.
I give the Ravens a lot of credit for being a tough opponent. I am less inclined to give them credit for being an honorable opponent. The whining has started with Torrey Smith saying the playing surface at Heinz field is poor.
It’s the time of year when it is tough to maintain any natural turf. Add heavy rains and any player will be challenged except when playing in a dome. At least the Ravens didn’t petition the league to never have play off games at night at Heinz field due to the overwhelming advantage to the Steelers. Sheesh.
This is going to be a wild one folks. What are your predictions? Will the secondary struggle and will Flacco connect with the long ball? Or will the Steeler secondary continue to improve and will Harrison put Flacco on his back just one more time for old times’ sake? (Please, please, please.)
All I can say if that I will be holding my breath when I see a pile of bodies on the field. Best case is that the Steelers come out with a win in a relatively healthy fashion. They need to be near 100% to keep going. Let’s also hope for another record-setting game with Ben and AB and the rest of the Killer B’s.
Here We Go Steelers!