Scouting Report

the pick steelers 20-6

Ravens run offense vs. Steelers run defense: : The Ravens are eating up yards on the ground and minutes off the clock, but the NFL's second-ranked ground attack has dominated two soft run defenses. It will be a steeper challenge against the Steelers, the league's No. 2 run defense. Pittsburgh won't be as strong up front because it will be without nose tackle Casey Hampton and end Brett Keisel. But the Steelers have handled the Ravens at Heinz Field, holding them to 81.8 yards rushing and 3.4 yards per carry in the past five meetings there. Ravens running back Willis McGahee is expected to start, but he could be affected by an eye injury. Edge: STEELERS:

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Ravens pass offense vs. Steelers pass defense: : Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will be facing a hostile crowd and a blitz-happy defense. The Ravens' offensive line has been surprisingly strong in pass protection, giving up one sack on 49 dropbacks. The Steelers will attack the Ravens where they are the most suspect. Outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are tough matchups for Ravens tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry. The Ravens gave up six sacks last season at Heinz. Bryant McFadden, who has made an interception in his past two starts, will continue to start at cornerback in place of Deshea Townsend. Edge: STEELERS:

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Steelers run offense vs. Ravens run defense: : Rashard Mendenhall will make his first start, replacing injured Willie Parker (sprained knee). The rookie first-round pick struggled in the final two preseason games, fumbling three times. This change doesn't affect the Ravens because they have owned Parker and Pittsburgh's rushing attack. The Ravens haven't allowed a Steelers running back to gain more than 42 yards in the past four meetings. Inside linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott have set the tone physically. Edge: RAVENS:

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Steelers pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense: : The Ravens have the top-ranked pass defense, but this is where they could be vulnerable. With Samari Rolle out with a shoulder injury, the Ravens are expected to start either Corey Ivy or Frank Walker, both of whom struggled mightily in the preseason. Fabian Washington, who is day-to-day with a neck injury, could play on third downs. Pittsburgh could spread out the Ravens and test their depth. If the Ravens can't exploit Pittsburgh's offensive line (nine sacks allowed last week), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could repeat his five-touchdown performance from last season. Edge: STEELERS: