All week, various personalities have argued about what is more beneficial to have in the playoffs, momentum or rest? The Ravens must face the well-rested number two (Steelers) seed in the AFC playoffs and the outcome of this game may answer that question.
The Ravens are coming off of a convincing 30-7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and are as confident as ever in their chances against the 2010 AFC North champion, Pittsburgh Steelers,. Joe Flacco had an exemplary performance, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions. The defense forced five turnovers, three of which were interceptions.
The Steelers did not play last week due to a first round bye given to the first and second seeds of each conference. The last time the Steelers took the field was two weeks ago in their week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. In that game, the Steelers embarrassed their 5-11 opponent, putting up 31 points in the first half and making the Browns' defense appear extremely vulnerable and helpless.
Although the Steelers used the Browns to show the maximum of their potential, this performance holds little merit because the Steelers played against an inferior team and the performance was two, long weeks ago. The men in "black and yellow" may have used this time off to prepare for a playoff debut of new offensive wrinkles and new blitzes.
The injury report also speaks for itself as well. Ravens cornerback Chris Carr and offensive center Matt Birk are both listed as questionable for this afternoons contest. Only defensive lineman Aaron Smith, listed as doubtful, has a significant chance of not playing. Safety Troy Polomalu clearly rested up during the bye as he has been upgraded from questionable to probable from week 17 to today.
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