Steelers ready for Ravens D
It's a battle for supremacy in the AFC North as two rivals get ready for a defensive slugfest in the Steel City.
Pittsburgh, 2-1, has won a record 13 consecutive games on Monday Night Football, but it's not going to be easy as the undefeated Baltimore Ravens invade Heinz Field.
The Steelers are a bit banged up on offense as they are coming off a loss to Philadelphia where QB Ben Roethlisberger was sacked eight times and running back Willie Parker was held to 20 yards rushing in the Eagles 15-6 win.
Parker will not play tonight due to knee injury. First-round draft choice, rookie Rashard Mendenhall will make his first career start.
It's no secret that the two teams don't like each other, and it probably didn't help that Mendenhall provided bulletin board material by texting Ravens rookie running back Ray Rice that he was going to have a big day against the NLF's top-ranked defense.
Rice showed the text to his teammates who will no doubt use it as motivation, as if they need any. Baltimore has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 straight games, the longest current streak in the league.
Pittsburgh's D is ranked second, giving up an average of 234-yards per game, and will have plenty of blitz packages ready for Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.
Last season, Roethlisberger tossed five touchdown passes in the Steelers 38-7 thumping of Baltimore on Monday night in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will need to protect Big Ben if they want to continue their home domination of the Ravens and move into sole possession of first place in the division.
I expect a low scoring affair. The team with the fewest turnovers will win this contest.
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