Black and Blue: Previewing Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Part I

Two proud franchises, two bitter division rivals, and two big games every season, when the Steelers and Ravens get together very little else matters.

This weekends matchup promises to be a good one as the Ravens travel to Heinz Field to take on the undefeated Steelers (3-0).

Both defenses have been as good as advertised through the season's first three weeks, Baltimore ranks first in the NFL in total yards allowed (244.3) and pass yards allowed (116.7), while Pittsburgh leads the league in least points allowed (11.0 per game).

However its the Steeler's offense that has many surprised. Even without two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh ranks eighth in the NFL in points scored (24.0 per game), mainly because so much of their production has come on the ground.

Pittsburgh ranks third in the league in rushing yards (150.0), and a pitiful 32nd (dead last) in passing yards (139.3).

Luckily for the Steelers, the Ravens one struggle on defense all season long has been their ability to stop the run, they rank 22nd, allowing over 127 rushing yards per game.

One look at Baltimore's offensive numbers and there is no wonder why they have struggled to a 2-1 record. They rank 28th and 23rd in points scored (14.7 per game) and total yards (302.0) respectively.

It won't get any easier for Baltimore though as they take on one of the league's best defenses. Pittsburgh currently ranks sixth in total yards allowed (278.7), and third in rushing yards allowed (59.7).

The key for the Ravens will likely be if they can avoid the turnover bug that has plagued them early in the season. They have turned it over seven times already this season (five interceptions and two fumbles), and need to avoid assisting the Steelers offense by giving them great field position.

Similarly the key for the Steelers will be how well they can pressure Joe Flacco and the Ravens into making mistakes. Pittsburgh's defense is tied for third in the league in interceptions (five), while Baltimore's is tied for 30th with zero.

As if these two defenses were not scary enough, they are both tied for first in league in total touchdowns allowed (two). Each team allowing a single rushing and passing touchdown (Baltimore had not allowed a touchdown until Week 3).

So it seems as if the deciding factor in Sunday's game will not be these two outstanding defenses, but rather their opposing offensive units.

Will the Ravens get their first win at Heinz field since 2006 (0-4 since)? Will the Steelers be 4-0 afterwards?

Whatever unfolds on Sunday, two things are guaranteed, Roethlisberger is not starting at quarterback for the Steelers, and Ray Lewis will have these Ravens ready to play.

Edge: Ravens.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.