Okay, I guess it’s time for me to make my prediction for Sunday’s big matchup. Here is a couple of big reasons why I feel the Steelers will be headed to Tampa in two weeks for a chance to win their 6th Super Bowl title, and second in four seasons.
1. Rest – The Steelers seemed like a much more fresh team against the Chargers, and I think that with the bye week two weeks ago and the fact that they have had some time to give Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison and Willie Parker some needed rest was a big key. The Raves on the other hand have already played two road games, and had a brutal game last week vs the Titans. They also haven’t had a bye week since week two, and seemed to wear down against the Titans. A more fresh Steelers team will have the advantage.
2. Injuries – The Ravens had a tough game vs the Titans last week (we already said that), and with that, their injury report is littered with some big names, the biggest of which is LB Terrell Suggs, who is doubtful with a shoulder injury. Other name players for the Ravens on the list include Todd Heap, Derrick Mason, Ed Reed, Matt Stover, Fabian Washington, and Samri Rolle. The only Steeler on the list is Roethlisberger, and while Troy Polamalu and Justin Hartwig are a little banged up, the Steelers have a big advantage in this department.
3. Experience – The biggest factor in the experience factor is of course at QB, where Ben Roethlisberger is heads and tails over Joe Flacco. Big Ben has been there, done that, and this is already his third AFC Championship game in just five seasons. No rookie QB has ever taken his team to the Super Bowl, and Flacco’s last game vs the Steelers wasn’t very good, as he was just 11-for-28 for 115 yards with two picks. Big Ben’s first AFC Title game vs the Pats in the 2004 season was a nightmare, and the Steelers are hoping to make Flacco’s first AFC title game one he’ll want to forget.
4. Something New – A lot of people this week have talked about the problems the Steelers have had in home AFC Title games, losing in 1994, 1997, 2001, and 2004. One big factor of course were those were all with Bill Cowher as coach, and I think that Mike Tomlin and the way he has had this team prepared for big games is a big indication of the difference of he and Cowher. Tomlin has done a great job in that area, and while Steelers fans have had nightmares of playing at home in these types of games, I think this is one that Tomlin will embrace as he gets his team ready.
Okay, with that, it’s time for me to put my neck out there. I think the Steelers are going to win this game, and I think it will be a lot more like the first game, which was a little more high scoring at 23-20 than the second game, which was a 13-9 defensive battle. Look for the Steelers to move the ball, and they will need to make sure to score touchdowns and not settle for field goals. The Steelers will win the turnover battle, and Big Ben and Heath Miller will hook up for at least one TD, and Parker will have a solid game. Get those plans for Tampa in place.
Pittsburgh 23 Baltimore 13
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Ryan
January 17, 2009 at 1:56 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJCDNj3a-fQ
Anthony
January 17, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Great job breaking down the game. I agree that the Steelers will win. As a philly guy, I hope this means an all PA Super Bowl. The Steelers to me looked like the one team last weekend that benefited from having a bye. I also think Parker can give the Ravens D some of the same problems Chris Johnson was before his injury. Good luck!
mark
January 17, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I agree Matt! I think the Steelers will put points on the board and by that I mean TD’s. It may be close for a half, but the Steelers have too many weapons on both sides of the ball.
shadow mann
January 17, 2009 at 3:39 pm
It is so sad to see that afc trophy party in an empty stadium so many times…but thats the way it goes…Ravens 27 Chokers 10
Larry
January 17, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Great Video Ryan, My official was Steelers 20-16 but that was before We knew about all the injuries to the Ravens So I think the Steelers can Turn one of those Field goals into a TD So I now say 24-16 Steelers
This is from the Jet Fan from last weeks Chat, Lets have a all PA SuperBowl.
Michelle
January 18, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Steelers all the way!!
Ron
January 18, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Here we go Steeler Nation !!! Yea Baby !!! I went to Hooters to watch the games. I was the only Steelers fan there and set up a shrine on my table with hat’s and pictures. I wore my authentic Black and Gold hat, and my prized Troy Polamalu authentic jersey. I also have some black and gold Nike’s that are a must have for die-hard Steeler fans. I know the marketing execs at Nike created them for Steeler’s faithful. They’re obvious to the black and gold lover and hamstring Reebok in a subtle way. Anyway at Hooter’s I was surrounded by hostile Eagle fans who talked shit the whole game with Arizona. I stood my ground and got the last laugh and talked some major smack. I went to a large table of Eagles’ fans and reminded them who Pennsylvania’s real team was. The Eagles’ fans left with head hung and the Raven’s fans filed in and started the battle immediately. There were two other Steelers fans that arrived but they didn’t come to my defense…may the Lord forgive them. In the middle of pre-game trash talk I went over to an area in Hooters that had a large contingent of rabid Raven’s fans and announced that there would only be one “BIRD” team in the SuperBowl. Major smack filled the air but I stood my ground again. I got the last laugh again but my throat was so horse by this time I could hardly speak. My smile conveyed the point to the grief striken Raven fans. What are we going to call this one … “One for the pinky on the other Hand”. GO STEELERS !!