Think the Ravens had the NFL's best defense this season? Think again. It was the Steelers.
The Steelers (13-4) gave up an NFL-low 237.2 yards per game, the fewest allowed by any team since the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles held opponents to 221.8. Pittsburgh also led the league in scoring defense, allowing 13.9 points per contest.
But by no means was Baltimore far behind. Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's unit ranked second overall by holding opponents to 261.1 yards per game and third at 15.3 points allowed per contest. Baltimore also led the league with 34 takeaways, and has an 8-1 turnover advantage in its two playoff wins.
This is only the second meeting between the NFL's top defenses in a conference championship game since 1970.
This game will be a classic as Baltimore looks to seek revenge against Pittsburgh who got the best of them in both meetings this season - despite very close games that could have gone either way. Jeff Reed kicked a 46-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 23-20 overtime victory at home Sept. 29, and Roethlisberger connected with Santonio Holmes on a four-yard touchdown pass with 43 seconds remaining as Pittsburgh clinched the division title by stealing a 13-9 victory in Baltimore on Dec. 14.
The big difference in this game, and the reason why I think Pittsburgh will win, is the home-field advantage. The Steelers have won seven of their last eight games against the Ravens in Pittsburgh, a stretch that started with a 27-10 victory in a divisional playoff game Jan. 20, 200 the only previous postseason meeting between these two teams.
Since 1970, home teams are 50-26 in conference championship games -- I think they go 1-1 today.
Another reason why I have to go with the Steelers is because I love head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin was the architect of the Vikings Defense before taking over for Bill Cowher. This is the Steelers' fourth trip to the AFC title game in eight years and their first under Tomlin, who already has the team poised for a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season in charge.
Tomlin may not be experienced, but then again, neither is Ravens head coach John Harbaugh -- who is in his first year. And with a first year QB. The Ravens have made that tremendous turnaround not only with a first-year coach, but also a first-year quarterback. Joe Flacco became the first rookie signal-caller to win two playoff games.
Flacco won't get his 3rd win.
My Prediction:
Steelers 19
Ravens 13
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