Jen Royle: Ravens' Keys To Victory
From being around the players all week, the consensus was there are three things that could be a factor in whether or not the Ravens sweep the Steelers this season. After a 35-7 victory in Week 1, the team knows they will be facing a more experienced Steeler team with Ben Roethlisberger coming off of AFC Player of the Week honors... not to mention, they'll be in enemy territory.
1. Noise control: Ray Rice made it perfectly clear this week that Hines Field is one of the toughest places to play based on the noise alone. Terrell Suggs said the fans do exactly what they're supposed to do an that's make it hard on opponents, especially on third down. Unfortunately for the Ravens, Andre Gurode told me yesterday at he (and the rest of the O Line) need to work on their communication. With the left side of the line already walking on thin ice, this may not be the right time to improve on their communication skills. Rice also said the Ravens song and the "terrible towels" can get the crowd into the game and on the home team's side.
2. Penalties: Penalties were the key to the Steelers loss in Week 1, and nothing annoys coach Harbaugh more than unnecessary penalties. You hear that Michael "false start" Oher. If the Ravens can keep the penalties to a minimum, especially the personal fouls, they could have an advantage over Pittsburgh. Rice also said on Wednesday that the Ravens have to keep their emotions in check and make sure they aren't making any mistakes between the whistles. It's no secret the Ravens and Steelers will play an extremely physical game, both sides just have to block, cover and tackle legally or it could cost them the game.
3. Turnovers: I mean, in football 101, the first rule is "don't turn the ball over." Looking back at last year's playoff game against the Steelers, Ray Rice will be the first to tell you the importance of ball security. Fumbles will be a no-no on Sunday and the Ravens will need to do their best to keep the ball out of black and gold's hands when it doesn't belong there. Luckily for the Ravens they have a man named Ed Reed who can help in that department... or at least do a damn good job of stealing a few of his own.
The Ravens are looking forward to this game like a five-year-old waits for Santa Clause with Suggs leading the pack. Can Joe Flacco and the Ravens sweep the Steelers and make significant strides toward a division title?
