Aaron

Live Ravens chat with Aaron Wilson at noon

Steelers 23, Ravens 20 Strategy: The Ravens aggressively tried to strike deep, but were largely inefficient. Wide receiver Torrey Smith was targeted eight times, but only generated three catches for 31 yards. They wavered between a smash-mouth approach and a free-wheeling passing game. The no-huddle offense was used just three times, one leading to Anquan Boldin's touchdown against an overmatched Cortez Allen. The shotgun formation was curtailed severely, down to 14 of 58 plays after the Ravens used it 51 times in San Diego a week earlier.

Ravens 16, Chargers 13 (OT) Strategy: Cam Cameron heavily utilized the shotgun formation, 51 times overall with 42 during regulation. This plays to Joe Flacco's strengths, allowing him to see the field and get the football out of his hands despite suspect pass blocking. The no-huddle has been scrapped on the road, and wasn't used once in San Diego. A steady diet of intermediate throws with the occasional timely deep shot paid dividends. There were no complaints about Ray Rice's workload: 22 rushes for 97 yards and eight catches on nine targets for 67 yards.

Ravens 55, Raiders 20 Strategy: Dean Pees' unpredictable, innovative schemes were highlighted by lining up rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw at defensive tackle. And Pees' two-defensive-lineman, three-linebacker, six-defensive-back "dollar" package contributed to three sacks, one interception and eight pass deflections. With a virtually nonexistent pass rush and Haloti Ngata sidelined, Pees got more speed onto the field by taking out beefy nose guards Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Terrence Cody, and inserting DeAngelo Tyson and Bryan Hall.

Pre-game chat: Ravens vs. Steelers

Ravens 25, Browns 15 Strategy: Embracing their old smash-mouth roots, the Ravens eschewed no-huddle and shotgun schemes in favor of physical I-formation plays with bruising fullback Vonta Leach running interference for Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice. There were just five no-huddle plays, including Rice's eight-yard touchdown run, and 13 shotgun plays, including quarterback Joe Flacco's game-winning touchdown pass, out of 62 plays. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron broke character and was stubborn with the run even when Rice was corralled by extra defenders.