College Football

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Steelers-Ravens: 3 Keys to Victory

By: Joe Smeltzer

It's Steelers-Ravens at Heinz Field in primetime. Nothing else needs to be said. 

Key #1: Stay focused 
Photo creds to Idaho Statesman 

The Steelers got the hell beat out of them just six days ago. They are hurting, and they also lost one of their most important players, possibly for the rest of his career. As hard as it may be, Pittsburgh has to find a way to be energized and still play football at a high level. Just like last week, Pittsburgh should prepare for a physical AFC North game, and it's essential that the Steelers have the
stamina to handle it.

Key #2: Hold Baltimore to less than 20 points
Photo creds to York Dispatch

If the Ravens score 20 or more points, they will win. That is my prediction. 

The Steelers offense has been on and off all year and given that it will be without JuJu and that the Baltimore defense is one of the best in the NFL, I don't see how tonight's game is a shootout. If the Steelers are to win, they must slow down Baltimore's attack, which even without Ryan Shazier, should be manageable. The Ravens being in playoff contention is almost solely due to their defense, so if the Steelers D can match that, the offense should play well enough to get the job done. 


Key #3: No big plays
Photo creds to Sports Illistrauted

Joe Flacco has an outstanding throwing arm. Not a lot of people know this because he doesn't uncork it as often as he should. Although the Steelers didn't get burned by the deep ball as much last week, anybody who has watched this team knows that long touchdown passes have been an issue for this defense. The Steelers limited the big play last week and won the game. If they can do the same tonight, I don't think Baltimore will score enough to earn a season split with Pittsburgh. 


Final Prediction
My mind is telling me Steelers. My heart says Ravens. I'm gonna go with my mind on this one. The Steelers can't roll on forever, but after winning last week under extreme circumstances, along with the fact that they are 10-2. I'd be foolish to bet against them. Here we go!

Steelers 17, Ravens 14

No comments:

Post a Comment