Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Three Bold Predictions
A return to normalcy is just what the Baltimore Ravens need. What’s more normal than an already crucial prime-time match up with hated rival Pittsburgh?
I will go ahead and make some predictions right now that aren’t particularly bold: The game will be close, the game will be physical and it will probably come down to the last few plays.
Fear not, I have some bold predictions as well. Here’s three of them.
Pittsburgh will win the time of possession battle by a wide margin
Tuesday, I wrote about how critical stopping Le’Veon Bell is for the Ravens to win. I also expressed concern that they wouldn’t be up to the task.
If my concern proves valid, then Pittsburgh will run the ball right into the teeth of this Baltimore defense, and they will eat up clock in doing so. What will inevitably be another conservative defensive game plan from Dean Pees will also help the Steelers string together drives.
The Ravens, meanwhile, will have to be sharp on offense from the get go to avoid losing the time of possession battle. This has rarely been a fast starting team, leading me to believe Pittsburgh will open the game by holding on to the ball for most of the first quarter.
Though the Ravens may start to close the gap in the time of possession battle as the game goes on simply by virtue of offensive improvement, I expect the Steelers to generate extended drives throughout the game. Even if the Ravens hold Pittsburgh to field goals, the damage will be done.
Gary Kubiak won’t make the same mistake twice
Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak on the sidelines during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Baltimore beat Dallas 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
In what was otherwise a good debut for Gary Kubiak as a play caller, Joe Flacco threw for an inexcusable 62 passes. While Kubiak’s play calls were excellent on a play-by-play basis, his overall emphasis on the passing game was ill-advised.
Kubiak is a smart man. He knows what he’s doing, and he’s going to self-correct, especially against a Steelers’ defense that gave up 183 rushing yards on a 6.1 yard average to the Cleveland Browns.
That could lead to a big game for Justin Forsett. Though Bernard Pierce should get plenty of carries in the early going, my guess if Forsett will again prove to be the hot hand. This time, Kubiak will feed the hot Forsett, who could be in line for the best game of his career.
Steelers win 20-16
Nov 28, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
I expect this game to follow a similar script to the Ravens’ Week 1 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Ravens will start slowly on offense, surrender a couple field goals on long drives defensively, fight back, maybe even gain the lead. But then, a gassed defense which has been on the field for far too long will give up a big play, and the Steelers will find a way to win.
By the way, the spectre of the Ray Rice situation is hanging over the Ravens. I fully expect them to draw motivation from the event, but they may also have issues with focus. With eight drops and numerous mistakes against the Bengals in a game in which the Ravens were not distracted, mistakes are a safe bet for the team this week.
Win or lose, I’ll end with another safe prediction. The game will be fun to watch. So be sure to enjoy.