Steelers-Ravens: 3 Keys to Victory

Photo creds to mmqb.si.com

Merry Christmas to all. There is Steeler football on this the birthday of Christ, and here is what Pittsburgh needs to do to defeat the hated dirty birds

Key #1: Don't get burned by the run

Stephon Tuitt (#91) may be a no go on Christmas Day. (Photo creds to Nfl.Com

Is is true that Baltimore is not known for their ground game. However, the Steelers may be without their two top edge defenders, as Cam Heyward is out for the season, and Stephon Tuitt is questionable for Sunday. Terrance West doesn't remind anybody of Gale Sayers, but with the D-Line banged up, there's that fear that West could become Jay Ajayi 2.0. Cincinnati was running the ball down the Steelers throats in the first half of last week's game, and hopefully, Baltimore will not do the same.


Key #2: Take advantage of a crippled secondary

Photo creds to mmqb.si.com

The Baltimore Ravens are a solid defensive team all around. However, they are missing their best cornerback, Jimmy Smith, and that is a big loss. The last time Ben Roethlisberger was facing a banged up Ravens secondary, he tore them up for 6 TD's. The Steelers haven't had an explosive passing game in a while, and if Eli Rogers can step up as another stud receiver to give Antiono Brown some help, that will go a long way in putting some points on the board.


Key #3: Don't let it come down to special teams

Forget Joe Flacco. Forget Terrell Suggs. Forget Steve Smith. To me, the most obnoxious Baltimore Raven is Justin Tucker. Can anybody imagine the Ravens coming out on top today without the best kicker in the NFL playing a big part? I sure can't. If the game is close, Tucker will smell blood. Therefore, when the chips are down, the Steelers need to be up by at least a touchdown for me to feel comfortable. Here is the bottom line; If it comes down to Tucker, that will be bad news.

Final Prediction
Today is obviously a crucial day for the Steelers, as the AFC North hangs in the balance. Pittsburgh is clicking on all cylinders, and in my opinion, are just more talented than Baltimore is. The set of circumstances is different than it was seven weeks ago when the Dirty Birds got their way. Big Ben is healthy, the Steelers are hot, and the game is in the Burgh, baby. I don't see the boys being denied by the Baltimore Ravens. It will be close, but the Stillers will prevail this time around. Oh, and expect that Le'Veon Bell character to have some fun.

Steelers 28, Ravens 21