The defending Super Bowl champions are built much like the Ravens. Both teams have a stout defense that prides itself on stopping the run and a versatile offense that can eat up yards in many different ways.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has his players performing at a high level, despite some recent injuries. One of those players is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is the NFL’s best quarterback when he leaves the pocket. Big and powerful, Roethlisberger has the strong arm to hit receivers on the run and the size to shake off tacklers.
Roethlisberger has a trio of targets that he utilizes the most in wideouts Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward, and tight end Heath Miller. All three have combined for 167 receptions for 2,054 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Steelers’ rushing attack is handled by two talented backs, second-year pro Rashard Mendenhall and former Pro Bowler Willie Parker. Mendenhall has started the past seven games and racked up a team-leading 689 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the league’s top unit has a ferocious pass rush that is keyed by outside linebackers James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley, who teamed up for 27.5 sacks last year. Massive defensive tackle Casey Hampton anchors the middle of Pittsburgh’s defensive line. The Ravens will have the luxury of not seeing safety Troy Polamalu, however, because of a knee injury.
Offensive – Roethlisberger is the engine behind the Steelers’ attack, as the 6-foot-5, 241-pounder has the ability to make plays even when the originally-called action breaks down. He is coming off a stellar performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed 32 of 42 passes for 398 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. That day, Roethlisberger posted a 109.0 passer rating, the fifth time this year he’s cracked the century mark.
Defensive – Harrison, the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is a player that teams must game plan around. Off the edge, he is among the league’s elite at getting to the quarterback. Harrison posted a team-record 16 sacks last year and now owns a club-best 10 sacks despite the extra attention.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has his players performing at a high level, despite some recent injuries. One of those players is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is the NFL’s best quarterback when he leaves the pocket. Big and powerful, Roethlisberger has the strong arm to hit receivers on the run and the size to shake off tacklers.
Roethlisberger has a trio of targets that he utilizes the most in wideouts Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward, and tight end Heath Miller. All three have combined for 167 receptions for 2,054 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Steelers’ rushing attack is handled by two talented backs, second-year pro Rashard Mendenhall and former Pro Bowler Willie Parker. Mendenhall has started the past seven games and racked up a team-leading 689 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the league’s top unit has a ferocious pass rush that is keyed by outside linebackers James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley, who teamed up for 27.5 sacks last year. Massive defensive tackle Casey Hampton anchors the middle of Pittsburgh’s defensive line. The Ravens will have the luxury of not seeing safety Troy Polamalu, however, because of a knee injury.
Offensive – Roethlisberger is the engine behind the Steelers’ attack, as the 6-foot-5, 241-pounder has the ability to make plays even when the originally-called action breaks down. He is coming off a stellar performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed 32 of 42 passes for 398 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. That day, Roethlisberger posted a 109.0 passer rating, the fifth time this year he’s cracked the century mark.
Defensive – Harrison, the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is a player that teams must game plan around. Off the edge, he is among the league’s elite at getting to the quarterback. Harrison posted a team-record 16 sacks last year and now owns a club-best 10 sacks despite the extra attention.
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