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PFF Preview: Steelers @ Ravens, Week 2

2014-Prev-WK2-PIT@BALComing on the heels of a last-second win in Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers head to M&T Bank Stadium Thursday night to take on the Baltimore Ravens (0-1), who saw their comeback attempt against the Bengals fall short last week.

As if falling in Week 1 and their recent turmoil weren’t enough to start off the 2014 season, the Ravens now hope to keep pace in the AFC North, as the Steelers would like nothing more than to hand them their second divisional loss of the season on National television.

Although Terrell Suggs (+2.2) graded in the green in terms of pass rush against the Bengals last week (the only Raven to do so), the Ravens were unable to register a single sack and as a collective unit posted a grade of -1.1 when attempting to get after the quarterback. However, Andy Dalton averaged 2.12 seconds to throw in Week 1, second only to Peyton Manning, which added to the difficulties for the Ravens' pass rush.

Ben Roethlisberger, on the other hand, averaged 2.70 seconds to throw last week, which was good for 20th in the league and also led to three sacks. Considering that, along with the presence of Marcus Gilbert at right tackle (-1.9) who allowed two of the sacks (and put up the 48th-ranked Pass Blocking Efficiency among tackles in 2013), the Ravens hoep to be able to get after the quarterback more effectively this time around.

Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco – Two of Flacco’s top three games last year came against the Steelers as he recorded a passer rating of 97.1 in Week 7 and a rating of 98.6 in Week 13.

Justin Forsett – Looked sharp last week posting a grade of +1.7 as a rusher (tied for seventh among RBs) and averaged 5.9 yards per attempt, while also adding a touchdown run.

Lardarius Webb – Surely after Chykie Brown (-1.9 pass coverage) was beaten for the game-winning touchdown last week, the Ravens are hoping for Webb’s return — he was Baltimore’s top-rated cover corner last season, posting a grade of +3.9.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown – In the two meetings against Baltimore last season, Brown was held to 50 receiving yards in the first game (his lowest output of the season) and 59 in the second (his third-lowest).

Le’Veon Bell – Forced 12 missed tackles on 27 touches last week, posting an Elusive Rating of 177.8, good for sixth in the league.

William Gay – Was the only Steeler defensive back to grade in the green last week, posting a mark of +2.8. He was thrown at seven times, allowing only 29 yards on four receptions and defending three passes.

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