Latest from the NFL: Mallett slated for Ravens vs Steelers

At right is Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison. The Ravens did win the first matchup, but that was with Flacco, Forsett, and Smith Sr. healthy.

The Baltimore Ravens will start their fourth quarterback in six weeks today against the Steelers when Ryan Mallett makes his debut a few weeks after he was signed.

While the Steelers have a playoff spot riding on this game the Ravens will have their draft position to think about on their end. This time, it’s the Ravens who are without their top quarterback.

Roethlisberger went 24 of 34 for 215 yards and failed to throw a touchdown pass. It’s the third game this season the Steelers quarterback failed to register a touchdown.

“You always want to play each team at full strength”, Roethlisberger said. But it’s still a big game. While Roethlisberger was nursing an MCL sprain, backup Michael Vick passed for only 124 yards.

The Steelers will clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Ravens and the Jets lose to the Patriots.

There’s no telling who will be calling the signals for Baltimore. With the team out of the playoff hunt, Mallett doesn’t have to have the pressure of winning games on his shoulders and can just focus on going through his progressions and making the best case for himself. “But largely, their schematics are their schematics, and they have a playing style that has been displayed throughout the 14 games that they’ve played”. The Steelers offensive line will be one high alert with a Baltimore defense that has scratched and crawled to keep the Ravens relevant.

“He has had enough reps that if John [Harbaugh] decides to play him, and we decide to go that way, we feel he could manage the game”, Trestman said. Their starting left tackle went down for the season in the first six games.

We take a look at the things Pittsburgh did wrong against the run last time facing the Ravens to see what they should fix up. The last time these teams met, Baltimore won a thrilling overtime game 23-20 way back in week 4 in Pittsburgh. On the ground, DeAngelo Williams rushed for 26 yards and one touchdown in 14 attempts. “For a young guy, he doesn’t ride the emotional roller coaster”.

Tomlin said he did not have a conversation with Shamarko Thomas about not downing the punt that nearly resulted in a touchdown in the second half. “He has been as critical to our run in that regard as he has as a player”. Tomlin is 9-9 against Baltimore. Last week, Antonio Brown absolutely torched the league’s No. 1 ranked defense-Denver-for two touchdowns and almost 200 yards.

Then their sure-shot veteran kicker was lost for the season in the first exhibition game. Pittsburgh is fifth in the National Football League in rushing defense with 89.4 yards allowed a game, but 31st against the pass, giving up an average of 279.1 yards.