SCOUTING REPORT
Ravens rushing vs. Steelers run defense -- STEELERS
Pittsburgh has replaced the Ravens as the league's top run defense, limiting teams to 71.2 rushing yards per game. In their past eight games, the Steelers haven't allowed a running back to crack 59 yards. The Ravens' worst rushing day this season came at Pittsburgh, where they were held to 41 yards, didn't break a run longer than 7 yards and averaged 1.6 per carry. Moe Williams, making the third start of his six-year career, is coming off a personal-best 111-yard rushing game.
Ravens passing vs. Steelers pass defense -- RAVENS
If the Ravens can secure the pocket, quarterback Elvis Grbac will likely test the Steelers' secondary. Although teams have rarely thrown downfield because of Pittsburgh's intense blitzes, this secondary has been beaten for 15 passes covering 25 yards or more. The Ravens haven't allowed a sack in their past 54 pass attempts and need left tackle Jonathan Ogden to handle Steelers linebacker Joey Porter. Turnovers have been the telling factor for Grbac. In his six wins, he has thrown four interceptions. In his four losses, he has been picked off 11 times.
Steelers rushing vs. Ravens run defense -- RAVENS
The Steelers will likely be without running back Jerome Bettis (groin), and the Ravens will be without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee). The top-ranked running team, Pittsburgh would then turn to Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, who replaced Bettis last week and gained only 50 yards on 21 carries. Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis leads the NFL with 87 solo tackles and is the major reason opponents are averaging a league-low 3.1 yards per carry.
Steelers passing vs. Ravens pass defense -- STEELERS
Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart, who is 4-0 as a starter in Baltimore, is playing the best football of his career, throwing with authority and using his athleticism more than in recent years. In his last meeting with the Ravens, Stewart was 22-for-37 passing for 236 yards and a touchdown. The Ravens' pass defense is ranked in the bottom half of the league for the first time this season. Ravens cornerback Duane Starks was a major target in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers threw to his side on 16 of their first 17 throws and scored their only touchdown against him.
Special teams -- EVEN
