Finally - A Quarterback Higher Than Third String

Let's just say if the Ravens get another one of their fan-described "miracles" this Sunday, at least it won't have come against the Steelers current third- or fourth-string quarterback. Of course, it would also allow them to update that incredibly old and overused Bart Scott picture from 2006 as their go-to beat-off fodder after rubbing Old Spice on themselves and imagining its Ray Lewis' tongue.

Then again, they just might have to deal with yet another in a long string of frustrating and humiliating defeats to the Steelers in big games. That's right - stakes is high. While it's still a tad premature to definitively say the winner is assured of the second string in the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye, they'll obviously have a nice inside track toward that prized position, especially with the winners in the two other of the AFC divisions far behind the North and East leaders.

I've been thinking all week about how important Emmanuel Sanders' role might figure in this contest. I would assume one of the main goals in the Ravens' defensive strategy, much like it was in the first contest, will be to take out Mike Wallace as best as possible. Teams have shown this can be done, so long as you're willing to commit the extra safety to covering him deep. Hines will be there for possession-saving catches and the like, but the opening for Sanders to make big places will have to be taken advantage of. Manny has showed a lot of promise this year, but can be as unreliable as you might expect a rookie to be. His drop late last week in Buffalo could have proven to be costly and regrettable.

Chris Kemoeatu had his worst game of the season last week trying futilely to block Kyle Williams. Or even slightly impede his march into the background. He'll have no less a difficult assignment Sunday with Haloti Ngata, though Ngata was nowhere nearly as unblockable in Week 4 as Williams was last Sunday. I also just expect Kemoeatu to bounce back after being embarrassed. Can't say I'm any more comfortable with Jonathan Scott's first go against the Ravens' defense, but can't do much but hope for the best on that one.

LaMarr Woodley is just as desperate for an improved showing. Woodley has been silent in two of the last three games. He's typically a huge factor against the Ravens. The Steelers might be more tempted to test a somewhat gimpy Michael Oher with James Harrison rushing, but Woodley is going to have to win his one-on-one matchups more often to keep Flacco from having time to throw. With Le'Ron McClain out, the Ravens will likely do more passing than they might usually do against the Steelers (yeah, I know they threw 37 times in Week 4) being without one of their most important blockers in the run game.

Rashard Mendenhall was huge against Buffalo and should likely do even better against Baltimore than he did in the first meeting with the threat of a potent passing game from the Steelers. Nevertheless, Mendy has lost two fumbles the past two games. Obviously, any turnover in this game Sunday can and likely will be critical. Can't afford to cough it up again.

Bryant McFadden, Nick Eason and Brett Keisel are all expected to play. Welcome news, obviously, though the same was said to be true about Keisel last week, so we'll just have to see on that. It seems doubtful that Matt Spaeth will go, which is a shame as he could be used for help with blocking.

As for all the Steelers targeting stuff seemingly omnipresent again this week, I've said my piece on it. I don't think the league is purposefully going after the Steelers. James Harrison, maybe, but then that's been a situation fostered by the league, the media and Harrison himself. I think if there's any agreement between Steelers and Ravens fans, it's that we'd like not to see intimidated officials force themselves to flag iffy hits on quarterbacks and receivers for what could be critical personal foul penalties. That said, Pittsburgh is going to have to find a way not to kill itself with the other flags. It's highly unlikely they'd get a third straight victory in a game where they've compiled more than 100 penalty yards. Not quite the room for error against Bawlmer that there is against Oakland and Buffalo.

I'll hand it to Joe Flacco; Unibrow has played well the past two months. But he still hasn't shown he can win the big game yet. He's been terrible in the playoffs. Even this season when he stats are improved, he couldn't quite pull it off against the Falcons or the Patriots. He did little to nothing to win against the Jets. He got a fortunate second chance in Pittsburgh after blowing a 4th down and goal attempt that might have sealed a loss had circumstances been different. It'll likely be on him to finally have an impressive outing against the Steelers.