Keys to Steelers victory at the Ravens and picks of the week

On Offense : The Steelers have to win the battle in the trenches. The offensive line must take charge early and not make the mistakes of the past couple weeks. The Steelers can not afford the holding calls and false starts of the past.

   They must protect QB Ben Roethlisberger who is not 100% and may not be as mobile as he usually is. With that being said Ben may want to get rid of the football a little faster ,because that foot injury may not let him extend plays as long as he normally does.

   The line must also open up holes for the running game . Rashard Mendenhall has to have a good game. The Steelers must be able to run the ball against these Ravens to keep them honest. The Ravens are 11th against the run this season allowing an average of 101.7 a game.

   Ben Roethlisberger must play a smart game and take what this defense gives him. He must use all the weapons he has .TE Heath Miller over the middle,WR Hines Ward is still his go to guy and hit WR Mike Wallace deep.

The bottom line is the Steelers offense must play smart football and out physical the Ravens .Show them that we are the Pittsburgh Steelers and play smash mouth football from beginning to end.

On Defense : The Steelers defense must come out and knock the Ravens around . Show the Ravens that we are the better defense and its going to be a long day for who ever thinks different. It all starts with stopping the run and Rb Ray Rice. The Steelers have done that plenty of times before and this should be no exception.

The Steelers must pressure QB Joe Flacco . The last time they met, they let him get a little too comfortable in the pocket. They must get some pressure on him and collapse the pocket. The secondary must not give up the short passes over the middle and if the chance for a big play presents itself, the play has to be made. The defense that makes the most big play I believe wins this game.

The Ravens offense has looked average at times this year and the Steelers must make sure this is one of those times. The bottom line is the defense must play kick ass Steelers defense and show the Ravens that they may talk a good game ,but the Pittsburgh Steelers play a good game so you better be ready for a battle because the Steelers defense will bring the pain every play.

Now Steeler Nation put your game faces on because its time to separate the men from the boys .Its time to stop singing it and to start bringing it. This game should be another classic and another Steelers victory !

Now for my Sunday picks of the week. Last week I was 2-2 against the spread bringing my overall record for the year to 26-21-1. As always these picks are for amusement only and I hope your laughing all the way to the bank.

If I was a betting man I would take...

The Steelers + 3 over the Ravens ...Come on did you expect anything less ...expect big plays from the Steelers defense and Mendenhall to shine.$$$$

The Giants -7 over Washington … Mcnabb just looks Mc old and Mc done lately . Giants have more firepower at home. $$$

The Bears - 4.5 over the Lions … The Bears defense to much for the lions and offense is getting hot.

The Dolphins -5 over the Browns … Dolphins are getting better and the Browns are due for a bad game with Delhomme under center.

So Steeler Nation there you have it and don't forget where you got it .Spread the word about the blog and have a great Steelers Sunday. Here we Go Steelers ! Here we go ! Beat those Ravens ! ...Later Steeler Nation.