Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore at Heinz Field for a 4:30 p.m. contest on Christmas.
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If I had a nickel for every time someone blamed these two during the game (and not Ben, you know, the guy who throws the interceptions) I’d be a rich man.
This week, there is a playoff spot on the line. The Chiefs forced overtime in Denver by scoring a touchdown with 12 seconds left in regulation, ultimately winning on a field goal with two seconds remaining in the extra session.
The Steelers could grab a sixth straight win against Baltimore, adding to an already impressive December record. Ben Roethlisberger’s return to the football field less than three weeks after surgery to fix a torn meniscus left the quarterback looking unlike his normal self. The Ravens held the Steelers in check for a long time. Pittsburgh can’t have three-and-outs on Sunday. “They’re finding what works for them”.
But can the Steelers be at their physical best so soon after a knock-down-drag-out with the Cincinnati Bengals? These games are typically down-to-the-wire thrillers, so I’ll take the touchdown with the underdog and look for Roethlisberger to win by a nose – or a field goal.
Finally, we’ll get a chance to see what they can do. He threw a touchdown and a two-point conversion pass to Steve Smith Sr. in the third quarter. Plus, Baltimore’s edge rushers have been pretty solid at defending those flat areas. It’s hard to imagine the Ravens winning without a few Steelers turnovers. He has 29 tackles and four passes defensed in 11 games this season.
The Steelers Big Three did enough to outduel Baltimore’s Joe Flacco, who passed for 262 yards and a touchdown. Baltimore’s defense is going to have their hands full with the Steelers offense.
Antonio Brown’s Christmas present to Pittsburgh was this touchdown.
Not much to say about this game on my end other than go Ravens! “It is just about the fact that it is a big game in a high-pressure situation”. The electric Bell, however, was limited to 32 yards rushing against Baltimore’s second-ranked run defense (82.1) in the first meeting. They had taken the lead on a 10-yard touchdown run by Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk with 1:18 left.
The Ravens have split their last two games, going 0-2 ATS, after going 4-1 SU and ATS in their previous five. Brown had receptions for 21 and 26 yards. This matchup always produces close games, but the Pittsburgh is playing on a different level right now.
But to help Flacco out, the Ravens also have to try to establish a running game.
After having fallen behind early, Roethlisberger turned loose his arm and legs by throwing for one score, passing for another and throwing for 214 of his 264 yards as a second-half rally fell short.
Baltimore is 28th in the National Football League in rushing yards and 25th in rushing touchdowns.
They’ve won in the playoffs and the regular season.
Watching the AFC West has been a lot of fun this season.
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (ankle) and linebacker/special teamer Kamalei Correa (ribs) each missed their third straight practice and likely won’t play against the Steelers.
Baltimore got the better of Pittsburgh earlier this season, winning 21-14 on November 6.
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For a brief moment Sunday night in the AFC North title bout with Baltimore, the Steelers and their playoff hopes were slowly dwindling away. The victor earns a very direct path to the playoffs.
