Gametime - Monday, September 29th / 8:30pm (EST)
TV Outlet - ESPN-TV - WJZ-TV (CBS)
Radio Outlet - 98 Rock (Baltimore)
Location - Heinz Field, Pittsburgh (PA)
Game Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't feeling too good -- mentally or physically -- coming off a game against an aggressive defense that blitzed relentlessly.
The Baltimore Ravens probably can't wait to try the same thing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers go up against another tough defense, the division rival Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. More...
Pittsburgh (2-1) felt pretty good about its revamped offensive line heading into a showdown at Philadelphia last Sunday, but that wasn't the case when it flew back home. Ben Roethlisberger, already nursing a sore shoulder, was sacked eight times and left with an injury to his right hand in the fourth quarter of a 15-6 loss.
The Ravens, who have had a top 10 defense in each of the last five seasons, seem like they haven't strayed far from their aggressive philosophy despite the arrival of new coach John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh certainly fits in with Baltimore's defensive style. He served as the Eagles' defensive backs coach from 1998-2007, learning from head coach Andy Reid and blitz-happy defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
After watching what Philadelphia did to the Steelers last Sunday, might Harbaugh check in with his old team?
"I talk with Andy and Jim Johnson and those guys pretty much every week," he said.
With quarterback Joe Flacco learning on the job, the defense has made sure its rookie signal-caller doesn't have to do too much. Last Sunday against Cleveland, four-time All Pro Ed Reed returned an interception for a touchdown and former defensive rookie of the year Terrell Suggs had two sacks in Baltimore's 28-10 victory.
"Ever since the Ravens started playing football in the '90s, they've played great defense and it's gotten better as we go," Harbaugh said. "We've got a long way to go, but they've played really well the first two weeks."
Flacco began his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, but after seeing limited playing time as a redshirt freshman, transferred to Delaware. With Troy Smith and Kyle Boller injured, he's assumed the starting job right away with the Ravens.
He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass yet and he tossed two interceptions against Cleveland, but Harbaugh liked what he saw from the rookie.
"You shouldn't have to play perfect to win," he said. "I'm going over to console Joe, and Joe's consoling me. That's the kind of guy Joe is."
Flacco will face a Pittsburgh defense that's allowed just 12.7 points per game -- third in the NFL -- and has picked off six passes, second in the league.
Pittsburgh had owned its series with Baltimore in the late '90s and early part of this decade, winning 11 of 14 meetings including a 2002 divisional playoff victory. But the Ravens have won four of the last five meetings, including 27-0 on Nov. 26, 2006, when they sacked Roethlisberger nine times.
Division Standings - AFC North
1.Baltimore Ravens: 2-0 (Next opponent: Steelers)
2.Pittsburgh Steelers: 2-1 (Next opponent: Ravens)
3.Cincinnati Bengals: 0-3 (Next opponent: Browns)
4.Cleveland Browns: 0-3 (Next opponent: Bengals)
Non-Ravens Games on Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 28
SF @ NO 1:00 PM (FOX)
DEN @ KC 1:00 PM (CBS)
ARI @ NYJ 1:00 PM (FOX)
ATL @ CAR 1:00 PM (FOX)
MIN @ TEN 1:00 PM (FOX)
GB @ TB 1:00 PM (FOX)
HOU @ JAC 1:00 PM (CBS)
CLE @ CIN 1:00 PM (CBS)
SD @ OAK 4:05 PM (CBS)
BUF @ STL 4:05 PM (CBS)
WAS @ DAL 4:15 PM (FOX)
PHI @ CHI 8:15 PM (NBC)
Injury Report
Hines Ward Probable Other
Chris Kemoeatu Probable Ankle
Brett Keisel Out Calf
Deshea Townsend Out Heel
Ben Roethlisberger Probable Right shoulder
James Farrior Probable Back
Casey Hampton Probable Groin
Donovan Woods Out Hamstring
Injury Report
Corey Ivy Probable Ankle
Fabian Washington Doubtful Neck
Yamon Figurs Probable Hamstring
Derrick Martin Probable Shoulder
Kelly Gregg Out Knee
Todd Heap Probable Wrist
Nick Greisen Questionable Leg
Brendon Ayanbadejo Probable Calf
Demetrius Williams Probable Hamstring
Marshal Yanda Probable Knee
Troy Smith Out Illness
Weather Report
Partly Cloudy
Overnight Low: 53°F
Precip: 20%
Wind: SW 3 mph
Max. Humidity: 79%
Sunset: 7:05 PM ET
Avg. Low: 48°F
Record Low: 35°F (1991)
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