STEELERS BLACK -N- GOLD POST A Pittsburgh Steelers Blog from the heart of Steelers Nation.

by Ramona Dye

The Steelers vs Ravens match-up could be a big role in deciding what team will reach the 2009 post season. The AFC North rivals will meet Sunday night in Baltimore with neither team in first place and searching for answers.

Our Steelers have lost back-to-back games for the second time this season and are 2-3 on the road. They won all three meetings with the Ravens last season, including the AFC championship game that sent the Steelers to Super Bowl XL III.

However, their victory in M&T Bank Stadium ended a five-game losing streak there. The Ravens have lost five of their past seven games after a 3-0 start, but four of their losses have been by a combined 13 points.

What must our Steelers do to beat the Ravens?

Watch our for Ed Reed. Reed has three interceptions, including a 52-yard scoring return this season, but hasn't had an INT in the past six games vs. our Steelers.

We must contain Joe Flacco who had five interceptions and a QB rating of 17.6 in his last two games against the Steelers in 2008.

Ray Rice has become the Ravens' featured back, but also has a team-high 17 catches on third down and tends to break tackles after short catches. So our number 2 ranked run defense must contain him.

Hopefully Ben Roethlisberger will be cleared to play against the Ravens but if not Dennis Dixon will get his first NFL start. Not to reassuring considering the rivalry we have with the Ravens.  Hopefully Dixon will be able to maintain a simple offense and hold up against the Ravens defense.

As always, Here We go!!!