Five Questions with RavensGab Editor Matt Jergensen

Leading up to Sunday’s showdown at Heinz Field, we catch up with RavensGab.com editor Matt Jergensen, as he answers some questions about the Ravens and the Steelers:

1. Why have the Ravens had issues stopping the run so far in 2010? Do you think John Harbaugh made a mistake in daring teams to try to run on them?

The Ravens have had some issues stopping the run so far with the Peyton Hillis coming out party catching the league’s attention last week. But the numbers can be misleading. The Jets did run the ball decently but could not convert third downs on the ground. They did a good job containing Cedric Benson (78 yds.) who owned them last season for big games both times. The Browns game was a result of some excellent blocking by Cleveland and poor choice of personnel by Coach Harbaugh. The Ravens only activated 5 down lineman for that contest choosing instead to focus on Special Teams. Starting end Corey Redding was injured to to a concussion early in the third quarter and Trevor Pryce (recently cut) only is effective on passing downs. That left three players playing almost every down. It didn’t help that the Ravens offense was scoring quickly through the air either.

Harbaugh likes to portray a tough guy image at times so that’s a typical response from him when someone questions a facet of his team. I care more about points than yardage and so far the defense averages giving up 13 a game. I’m not totally blinded by purple , I see some cracks too. In my opinion it’s time for second round draft picks Paul Kruger and Terrence Cody to see extended action and prove their worth.

2. Joe Flacco had a rough first two games with interceptions, what was his issue, and do you think last week vs Cleveland got him on track?

Some of Joe’s old habits resurfaced again in the first two games. Against the Jets he held the ball too long and threw too much off his back foot. He needs to stay true to his mechanics. He did rebound well in the second half and threw for 248 against New York and had a sure touchdown dropped by Todd Heap that would have put the game away. The Bengals got great pressure with their front four allowing them to drop seven in coverage. Flacco has had trouble reading zones since his rookie season and he didn’t fare much better against a pair of tough corners with help.

The Browns game was important from a confidence standpoint for him. His mechanics looked smooth and most of his balls were right on the money. I also think the chemistry with many of the new players is still a work in progress and a pecking order is still being established. Anquan Boldin should be the first option and last Sunday he was and came up huge. You also have vets like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Derrick Mason who are used to getting a lot of targets. There’s only one ball and it will be hard to satisfy everyone. But winning should come first.

The Browns game helped but Flacco still has to prove that he can play well against the top defenses in the league consistently.

3. What’s the biggest issue you think this week for the Ravens heading into Pittsburgh?

Turnovers. The Ravens offense has turned the ball over 7 times in 3 games. They can’t give the ball away this weekend. The Pittsburgh defense is opportunistic and you want to make the offense put points on the board with Batch under center.

One of the biggest reason why the offense was slow out of the gate was due to one player – Right Tackle Jared Gaither. His “injury” has caused the whole line to shift and it’s unsure when he’ll be back though he practiced yesterday. Gaither wasn’t pleased being moved from Left to Right Tackle and he sat out of Mini-camp and hasn’t played a down yet in 2010. His attitude caused the Ravens to shop him last off-season but teams who love his size and potential also see red flags about work ethic. If he wants big money elsewhere he should stop pouting, play hard and go elsewhere. If he could do that for Baltimore they would have one of the best lines in the NFL.

4. What has been the issue with Ray Rice in 2010? Your guess on him playing Sunday?

Ray Rice didn’t sneak up on anyone this season and teams have game planned accordingly. I do feel that he should have gotten more carries against the Bengals because he was rushing at 5.5 per clip. Rice has a bruised right knee and he has not practiced the past few days. He stated publicly today that he expected to play on Sunday. I believe he’ll try to go but you should expect more Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain should get carries as well against the Steelers.

5. Final score predicition for Sunday and why?

I like the Ravens chances. They are already battle tested heading into Week Four. This is their third road game against a playoff caliber team. If they stay away from turnovers and slow the run they should have a chance to win. This is a rivalry game and I expect the same type of game we normally get from these two teams. Hard hitting and points will be at a premium. I like the Ravens 17-13.