The Ravens are 0-3 for the first time in franchise history. Individually, they played 2 really good teams and almost won. They also played an Oakland team (with a fantastic young QB) on the 2nd leg of a back to back west coast trip (at Denver, at Oakland) that is just murderous and unfair for any team. Bottom line the Ravens are really an excellent 0-3 team.
Motivation? When the schedule came out, I told my buddy that if we can somehow be 4-4 going into the bye week, that we would be in great shape. Lets look at the next 5 weeks for the Ravens. At a Big Ben-less Steelers (win-able), Home vs Browns (win-able), at San Fran (win-able), at Arizona (prob loss), Home vs Chargers (win-able). The Ravens, if they can play they way they are capable, can be looking at 3-3 and then 4-4 at the bye week. Beginning with the Chargers, the Ravens play 6 of 8 at home, where they have been incredibly tough to beat if you don't have Bengal stripes on. Their season is far from over. Remember the 2014 season when the Steelers went 0-4 and if not for a KC shanked field goal, would have made the playoffs?
The Steelers have not rushed the ball very effectively the last 2 games. With Vick under center, the Steelers MUST produce a good ground game. That falls into the one strength of the Ravens defense. The Ravens have not allowed 100 rushing yards so far this year, allowing only 3.3 yards/ carry, The Steelers are only averaging 3.1 per carry on offense. With Big Ben at the helm, that doesn't matter as much. With Vick, this forces him to be a pocket passer, and we know that's not his strength.
With that being said, this will inevitably be a tough, close game like it always is. I have to go with the Ravens here. They are a desperate team with a very good QB (750 yards last 2 weeks). Unfortunately for the Steelers, Vick is starting. He will do well and probably really shine at moments. However, he is no Big Ben and in this rivalry, Big Ben is needed.
Prediction: Ravens 27 Steelers 19
