Analyze this...

Scott is correct. I haven't seen a really good breakdown of this game yet. It is mostly the same old crap. they met before. they have great defenses. They hate each other. they know each other. etc etc.

I think the problem is, the idiot sports writers can't come up with anything original. these two teams are so closely matched. Big Ben and Rookie Joe have almost identical numbers, as do Mason and Ward and McClain and Parker. there really isn't any obvious paper advantage except for the experience level of the two QB's. But I think you have to be a pure idiot to think Flacco is your average Rookie at this point.

The biggest weakness: The Ravens are tired and banged up. The good thing is they did get 8 days rest and only have to travel a short distance for the game which will help. and one thing no one talks about is the depth of the Ravens sideline. The scouting of the Ravens is top-notch. The second and third string CB and lineman would be starters on most teams. 

And as I said in my first post, it is going to come down to the lines. If the Steelers can protect Big Ben so he isn't forced into passing to Ed Reed, they have a great shot at winning the game. I am sure Rex will do everything he can to throw some new looks at the Steelers. I expect so see lots of Safety blitzes and overloaded looks. I think the Ravens CB can hang with WR.  The one intangible to the Ravens blitz is the execution. They are awesome at hiding the scheme until it is too late for the QB to audible. 

On the other side,  if the Ravens O-line can keep getting 3 yard pushes down field, the Ravens running game will eat them up and open the deep ball.  Mason has been looking strong at the end of the season.  I think he will make some clean breaks. Hopefully Joe can find him.