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____________________Game Information
____________________Date: January 18th, 2009
______________Time: 6:30pm (EST)
______________Television: CBS / CBS-HD
________________________Location - Heinz Field, Pittsburgh (PA)
NFL.com Information
Last meeting
In a battle of two defensive heavyweights, Pittsburgh pulled out a 13-9 victory after Ben Roethlisberger directed a 12-play, 92-yard drive that ended with a controversial touchdown to Santonio Holmes with less than a minute left in the game.
Streaks
The Steelers have won three of the past four matchups to claim a 16-10 overall series lead. Check out the historical matchup of the last five games between the teams.
Last week
The Ravens relied on their defense again, forcing three turnovers to knock off the No. 1-seed Tennessee Titans, 13-10. ... Willie Parker rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Steelers past the San Diego Chargers, 35-24.
Keep your eye on ...
Kicking at Heinz Field: The Steelers and Ravens typically play very close games -- the two meetings this year were decided by a combined seven points -- and field goals often make the difference. Pittsburgh's Heinz Field is notoriously tough on kickers, and whoever is better able to handle the conditions could give his team an edge.
Playmaking linebackers: The Ravens' trio of Bart Scott, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs comprise one of the league's best linebacking units, but the Steelers' foursome of James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley and James Farrior might be even better. Expect both teams' linebackers to be right in the middle of the action all day.
A rookie tale: In 2004, Roethlisberger had one of the best rookie seasons ever for a quarterback when he led the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game. Baltimore's Joe Flacco is having a great rookie season in his own right and looks to one-up Roethlisberger on Sunday by beating the Steelers to get to the Super Bowl.
Did you know?
This is the first time since 1999 that two teams from the same division will square off in the conference championship. ... The Ravens rushed for a season-low 50 yards last week against the Titans. ... Ravens coach John Harbaugh became the fifth rookie head coach to win two playoff games. This week he could join the three-win club, which already includes Bill Callahan, George Seifert, Red Miller and Don McCafferty. ... The Steelers make their fourth conference championship appearance in the last eight seasons.
Injury Report - Ravens
Justin Bannan DT Foot Did Not Participate In Practice
Mark Clayton WR Thigh Did Not Participate In Practice
Jarret Johnson LB Calf Did Not Participate In Practice
Derrick Mason WR Knee Did Not Participate In Practice
Le'Ron McClain RB Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice
Samari Rolle CB Thigh Did Not Participate In Practice
Terrell Suggs LB Shoulder Did Not Participate In Practice
Todd Heap TE Back Limited Participation in Practice
Ray Lewis LB Shoulder Limited Participation in Practice
Lorenzo Neal RB Shoulder Limited Participation in Practice
Ed Reed S Knee Limited Participation in Practice
Antwan Barnes LB Shoulder Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Injury Report - Steelers
Aaron Smith DE Not Injury Related Did Not Participate In Practice
Deshea Townsend CB Not Injury Related Did Not Participate In Practice
Hines Ward WR Not Injury Related Did Not Participate In Practice
Justin Hartwig C Knee Did Not Participate In Practice
Willie Parker RB Not Injury Related Did Not Participate In Practice
Troy Polamalu S Calf Did Not Participate In Practice
Weather Report
Snow Showers
High: 24°F
Precip: 50%
Wind: SSE 11 mph
Max. Humidity: 63%
UV Index: 2 Low
Sunrise: 7:40 AM ET
Avg. High: 37°F
Record High: 55°F (1996)
