Ravens vs. Steelers: 5 Players Who Must Come Up Big for Pittsburgh

The NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers have to improve their effort against the Baltimore Ravens if they want to escape Heinz Field with a victory.  The Steelers' opening day loss to the Ravens was a disaster.

In their previous encounter this season, the Ravens caused seven turnovers in a lopsided affair that led to a 35-7 beating.  Nothing went right for the Steelers that day as Roethlisberger was continuously pressured and mistakes plagued Pittsburgh.

To win on Sunday, the Steelers have to stop Baltimore’s rushing attack to prevent Joe Flacco from heating up in the passing game.  Furthermore, the offense has to play a complete game.

Casey Hampton

Playing the nose tackle in Pittsburgh’s base 3-4 defense, Casey Hampton has to be a force in the middle.  Though Baltimore only ranks 15th in the league in rushing, running back Ray Rice ran for 107 yards against the Steelers in their first meeting.

When Ray Rice is running well, that means Joe Flacco is able to throw well.  Hampton has to be a monster inside to stop the running game and open holes for Pittsburgh’s linebackers when they blitz.  Doing so will mean an ineffective day for the Ravens offense.

Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall is Pittsburgh’s feature running back, but he was a contributor to the Steelers' turnover woes in the first meeting.  It’ll be important that he protects the ball on Sunday in what should be a very tight contest.

Furthermore, Mendenhall must help jump start the rushing attack against a Baltimore defense that is third in the league in stopping the run and the pass.  If he can make himself a threat to the Baltimore defense, he can slow the pressure of Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs that plagued Ben Roethlisberger in the first contest.

Max Starks

Max Starks is the anchor of the left side of the offensive line.  He protects what has famously become know as the “blind side.”  If he doesn’t step up, it’s going to be a long day for his quarterback.

The right side of Baltimore’s defense plagued the Steelers on opening day.  Haloti Ngata significantly contributed to the seven turnover affair, while Terrell Suggs added three sacks from his outside linebacker position.  Starks must guard the left corner of the line for Pittsburgh to be productive.

Chris Kemoeatu

Beside Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu will be a big part of Pittsburgh’s productivity, or lack thereof.  He must step up and help Starks focus on both Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs.

It’s likely Starks will be distracted by multiple stunts and blitzes from the Ngata/Suggs combination.  Kemoeatu must be aware of the defensive attack and provide appropriate assistance.  The offensive pair cannot be duped by the right side of Baltimore’s defense.

Playing focused, sound football has never been more imperative for the Pittsburgh offensive line.

Maurkice Pouncey

While his cohorts on the left side are focused on stopping the Baltimore right-side rush, Maurkice Pouncey will have to command the right side of the offensive line to control rest of Baltimore’s front seven.

Normally, Pouncey would have the assistance of Chris Kemoeatu with an opponent’s nose tackle, but the left guard will be less than focused on “A” gap protection with the stout attack coming at Max Starks’ left tackle position.  This creates trouble for Pouncey who will have to rely on his own individual effort more than normal.

If Pouncey is productive, the Steelers should find a way to produce results in both the running game and passing game.