Ravens, Terps, Orioles and More

Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has played high above outsiders' expectations all season long but the former Blue Hen must step up his game even more on Sunday if he hopes to become the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance.  Flacco, who turns 24 on Friday, has had an unspectacular, yet functional, playoffs so far.  

Against Miami, in a game which seemed in hand by the end of the first half, Flacco went 9 for 23 with only 135 yards.  Against the stout Titans' defense, Flacco was 11 for 22 for only 161 yards but came up when he needed to with two big throws.  

After an early 65 yard touchdown drive by the Titans which was capped off by an 8 yard scamper by Chris Johnson, Flacco responded with a 48 yard rocket to former Titan Derrick Mason for a touchdown.  In the 4th quarter after a Rob Bironas field goal to tie the game at 10,  Flacco took the Ravens 51  yards in 3:30 to put the Ravens in range for a go-ahead field goal. Facing 3rd and short, Flacco completed  a 23 yard pass to TE Todd Heap. Though controversial as a result of the play clock running down to 0, the throw was beautiful and showed off Flacco's incredible arm strength. 

This weekend Flacco will have to go against the #1 defense in the NFL, one which he had his worst game of the season statistically against in week 15.  In that matchup, Flacco threw for 2 interceptions and accumulated a 22.2 QB rating.  Flacco will have to play much better if the Ravens hope to have a chance in this weekend's game.  Not only are the Steelers coming off putting up 35 points against a hot Chargers team, but the Ravens defense will be shorthanded as a result of injuries.  Samari Rolle will most likely be out according to ESPN, while Terrell Suggs missed practice on Thursday and will be limited if he plays. With two key facets of their defense missing or limited, expect the offense to have to step up.  Flacco, who has become known for his calmness on the field and with the media (even when the "media" is his teammate), will have to make some exciting plays on Sunday if the Ravens hope to win.