Baltimore Ravens: 5 Things to Watch for in Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

In a rivalry game, fans get to see a show. In a Ravens-Steelers rivalry game, fans get to see a blockbuster. 

It's a rare breed of rivalry that replaces any off-field drama with on-field drama, with games that always seem to go down to the wire. Week One provides fans with yet another treat, as both teams will vie to begin their season successfully instead of ending the other's. 

The Ravens are clearly out for revenge against a Steelers' team that eliminated them from two out of the past three playoffs.

Just as much pressure will be put on a Steelers team that must shake any speculation of them succumbing to the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's examine a few things to watch for in an opener that features one of the NFL's growing rivalries. 

Terrell Suggs Should Have Another Huge Game

After a subpar 2009 season, Terrell Suggs reestablished himself as one of the NFL's elite pass rushers in 2010. What highlighted this the most was his ability to consistently disrupt the backfield during games with more at stake.

Now Suggs has another big stage, and a favorable matchup against left tackle Jonathan Scott. Like last year, the Steelers' offensive line appears flimsy, so Suggs should have few problems pressuring Ben Roethlisberger throughout the game.

If the Steelers can't find a way to stall Suggs' motor, their offense could be in for a long afternoon.

Will Ben Roethlisberger Continue to Be a Difference Maker?

While Terrell Suggs should generate plenty of pressure, whether or not he can consistently finish the play with Ben Roethlisberger under center is still in question.

There isn't a more feared quarterback on third-and-long situations than Roethlisberger. His ability to evade pressure and convert huge completions when plays break down has tormented the Ravens defense in each of their last six meetings.

And in those meetings, Roethlisberger has compiled a 6-0 record. The Ravens have a 6-foot-5-inch monkey on their back, and it will take all their effort to shed it on Sunday.

Will James Harrison Bounce Back?

Dual back surgeries in the offseason has left the NFL's former defensive player of the year at 75 percent, according to James Harrison himself.

Harrison's performance tapered off towards the end of last season, and his poor health was a likely cause. Even though he had the surgery to address it, the recovery is nothing to scoff at.

With a high-intensity game on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how effective Harrison is while playing at only a fraction of his strength.

Ray Rice's Success Is Vital for a Batlimore Ravens' Victory

Though talented, it's not likely that Ray Rice will break too many big runs on a Steelers' defense that has ranked in the top three in run defense every season since 2004.

However, against a team that blitzes often, Rice could be a winning component out of the backfield catching passes. Whenever the ball is delivered to him in space, he is always a home run threat. The Ravens need to counter Pittsburgh's aggressive defense, and the Rutgers product is the key component in doing so. 

Rice has rightfully earned the role of an every down back, but with that comes the difficult task of pass protecting. There was much to be desired from Rice's performance in that area in 2010, and improved pass blocking on Sunday would go a long way to ensure victory.

A Game of Firsts

We've pretty much seen it all when it comes to Ravens-Steelers games. Even so, there are still plenty of firsts that could occur when the two AFC North titans square-off in Week 1.

Coaches John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin have never lost on opening weekend. Harbaugh is 3-0 and Tomlin 4-0.

Another goose-egged column may find a tally as well, when Joe Flacco vies for his first win against Ben Roethlisberger. Flacco defeated the Steelers once before in 2010, but that game was started by Charlie Batch. 

Most important of all, we will see the ever-important first victory of the season—and at the hands of a hated rival.