|
Monday Night Grid: Ravens-Steelers
Cold, Hard Football Facts for November 2, 2007
BALTIMORE at PITTSBURGH
|
|
Teams |
| |
4-3 |
Overall Record |
5-2 | |
0-1 |
|
2-0 | |
15.76 YPPA (17) |
|
19.76 YPPA (4) | |
18.44 YPPS (28) |
|
13.74 YPPS (7) | |
9th (tie) |
|
6th | |
1st |
|
7th (tie) | |
5.34 (29t) |
|
6.79 (11) | |
71.8 (4) |
|
75.3 (8) | |
-1 (18t) |
|
+11 (3) | |
+8.5 |
|
-8.5 | |
36 |
|
36 |
The spread of 8 1/2 points in this one didn't make much sense based on our Quality Stats, or the recent results of the series. The Ravens totally dominated Pittsburgh in both games last year, and they match up quite well in the trenches with the Steelers.
Baltimore is No. 1 on the Defensive Hog Index and No. 4 on the Defensive Passer Rating charts, and has a pretty good offensive line (tied for 9th).
However, their inability to get into the end zone (28th Scoreability) is their Achilles heel, and the reason they're only +5 in scoring margin while the Steelers are a whopping +93.
And they'll also be without both starting corners (Chris McAllister, Samari Rolle) and their best pass-catcher (Todd Heap). Heap is a particular problem, considering their 5.34 yards-per-attempt number (29th).
With Pittsburgh's across-the-board success in our stats and Baltimore's fractured lineup, it's hard to see the Ravens winning the game at Heinz Field. But their strength on both lines should keep the game close.
Final score: Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 13
|
