Ravens' gameplan for the Steelers

[The Riddle of Steel]

This is how I would gameplay if I were Harbaugh:

On defense:

1. Stack the box to stop the run. We already have a dominant run stopping DL but keep in the safety in the box to hit Conner and Samuels as they get the ball. The Steelers OL is weak in the run game so call plenty of run blitzes to shut down the Steelers anemic running attack early.

2. Force Rudolph to beat you with his arm. Rudolph has shown in his 2 starts that he either (1) doesn't feel comfortable throwing intermediate routes or (2) they simply aren't in the gameplan. Let him complete his horizontal passes at or behind the line of scrimmage and tackle the catch. I am perfectly fine with Steelers throwing passes for a gain of 2-3 yards if it gets them to third and long.

3. Blitz Rudolph on 3rd -- this is the one time he is a threat to throw a bomb down the field so bring extra rushers to ensure he doesn't have time to chuck it to Washington or Johnson.

4. Don't worry about TE too much -- with McDonald out the Steelers don't really have a receiving threat at TE.

On offense:

1. Establish the run game early. Ravens have one of the best rushing attacks and running QBs in Jackson. Steelers run D is poor to say the least.

2. Attack the middle of the field with TEs. Steelers struggle mightily (or altogether forget) to cover TEs and slot WRs who attack the middle of the field. There WILL be gaping holes in the zone that are easy to exploit.

3. Target Barron and Hilton. These guys aren't great in coverage and can easily be exploited on 3rd down. Stay away from Fitzpatrick and Hilton as they are the 2 guys with ball skills on defense.

4. Force Dupree and Watt outside. Dupree already has a tendency to run a lunar orbit around the tackle and has no inside moves to force him outside and he will be invisible. Watt is 10x better but is susceptible to the same issue. Double team Watt with a TE.

On special teams:

Always kick toward Switzer. He is not a threat to gain more than 2 yards on a punt and most likely will run backward.

[steelheadtrout]

I thought this was an excellent plan and well laid out.

D4). Might be wrong. Vanett seems to be a viable receiver (judging from last week).

O1). Mark Ingram is a beast. We'll see how the D handles him. Also, Heyward looks like a possible scratch this week (contusion?)

[PennyBacker]

Try to absorb Pittsburgh's aggressive blow and stagger to the locker room at half-time. Utilize it's coaching staff to make half-time adjustments in an attempt to avoid being completely outclassed by the Steelers.