When the Steelers report to Latrobe on tomorrow, so will begin several training camp battles that we will be keeping a close eye on. We have narrowed them down to six to match the six championships the Steelers have. They are as follows.

1. Quarterback - Byron Leftwich vs. Dennis Dixon - Mike Tomlin has let veteran Byron Leftwich receive most of the first team snaps since his re-acquisition from Tampa Bay. The Steelers will need a starter for at least 4 games with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended to start the season and Leftwich looks to be the guy unless Dennis Dixon can force the Steelers hand with a strong camp. Dixon is also in his final year of his contract, so the motivation is definitely there to prove himself. Most of the Steeler Nation blogs and media would have you believe that Dixon should start, but none have good reasons why. Dixon has all of one start under his belt combined with several mediocre pre seasons games. Dixon also has admitted his leadership skills are not up to standards as well. Leftwich is what he is and that is a quarterback that has had some moderate successes in the NFL. Does this secure the job for him? Absolutely not as Leftwich could still lose the job and fall flat on his face. Dixon will have to show right out of the gate that he is the man that should lead the Steelers. Make no mistake that this is a battle, but a battle that could be over after week one of the pre season. Dixon does not have time on his side and must make good use of each and every snap to overtake the veteran Leftwich. My money is on Leftwich.

2. Right Tackle - Trai Essex vs. Jonathan Scott vs. Ramon Foster - The Achilles injury to Willie Colon opened up a huge hole on the right side of the Steelers offensive line. The only good thing is it happened early enough in the offseason so the Steelers could have a enough time to figure out a solution. Also in their favor has been the rapid development of rookie first round draft pick, Maurkice Pouncey, who was on course to beat out Trai Essex for the starting right guard spot. That now frees up Essex to see if he can win the right tackle spot instead and he will compete against free agent Jonathan Scott and second year undrafted free agent Ramon Foster. Scott played under new line coach Sean Kugler at Buffalo last year and Foster played mostly at left guard in 2009 when Chris Kemoeatu was out injured. There could even be another horse or two added to this battle should the Steelers decide to sign another street free agent, but as it appears right now, the Steelers want one of these three guys to win the job. If I were to handicap this battle, I give the advantage to Essex as to me his play and foot work seem better suited for tackle than guard plus he has games played under his belt on the right side. Scott and Foster could very well both stick on the roster as reserves and it would not be surprising to see either win the right tackle spot out right.

Update: The Steelers signed free agent tackle Flozell Adams a few hours after posting this. This now becomes a battle above for the backup right side swing spot as now either Adams or Max Starks wil play right tackle for sure. Scott is now on the roster bubble for sure with this move and Foster will likely compete for a right side back up roll.

3. Nickel Cornerback - William Gay vs. Joe Burnett vs. Keenan Lewis - Most want you to believe that the starting left cornerback job is up for grabs. That is just not true. The Steelers traded back for Bryant McFadden on draft day because of the play of William Gay in 2009. To think McFadden will not be the week one starting left corner is ludicrous. The Steelers drafted two cornerbacks in 2009 in the form of Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis. Burnett struggled as a rookie, while Lewis was never fully healthy with back problems. Veteran Deshea Townsend is now gone so it leaves Gay, Burnett and Lewis all to battle for the nickel corner spot. Gay has the inside track after playing the role almost exclusively through the 2008 championship season. Burnett started to show glimpses late in the 2009 season and will get his shot at the job. Lewis is more of a dark horse here as he truly is better merely as a left corner and just doesn't have the time in at the position. Watch this battle closely as it could get interesting. Right now I like Gay to rebound and win the job, but nothing with him is guaranteed.

4. Backup Running Back - Isaac Redman vs. Jonathan Dwyer - Nobody caused more stir in 2009 than undrafted free agent running back Isaac Redman. By the end of training camp last year, Steeler Nation had him penciled in as the next Jerome Bettis. Redman proved he can run in short yardage situations, but was slow to get up to speed on the things fans do not see. Redman bounced around to the active roster and practice squad and now will get a chance to compete against rookie six round draft pick Jonathan Dwyer. Although technically you could say Mewelde Moore is the backup running back to Rashard Mendenhall, we all know that Moore is not an every down back. He is a role player gifted in 3rd down sets and an established pass catcher. Should Mendenhall go down, the Steelers will need either Redman or Dwyer to step up to a more prominent 1st and 2nd down ball carrier role. Dwyer is handicapped by the type offense he played in college, where he was a fullback in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. Both Redman and Dwyer are straight ahead runners and both are known to move piles in short yardage situations. Redman has the upper hand going into camp, primarily because of having a year in the offense already and improving on his blitz pickups. Dwyer should not be counted out though as this battle will have those in attendance at Latrobe high fiving for both players. I think both can make the roster, regardless of who runs 2nd or 3rd.

5. Reserve Tight End H-Back Fullback - Sean McHugh vs. David Johnson - It might not look much on paper, but this could be the 52nd or 53rd man on the 53 man roster. McHugh had 2009 end early in pre season with a knee problem. His injury allowed 2009 seventh round pick, David Johnson to make the roster. Johnson was not spectacular in the H-back role and merely average in the other phases of tight end play. His special teams play though was above average, but the overall play of the Steelers 2009 special teams unit was dismal as most remember. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians looks to use the fullback and or h-back more in the offense this year. Frank Summers is looking to secure a true fullback role, while McHugh and Johnson will battle for the H-back and 3rd tight end spot on the roster. Neither will be confused for Dan Kreider, but these two players will be out to crack skulls and adjust shoulder pads in camp. While neither is guaranteed a roster spot regardless of their battle, it will intensify training camp and make practices more physical. I think McHugh, if healthy, can win this battle and a spot on the roster. He is just plain better at this role than Johnson is in my opinion.

6. Return Men - Stefan Logan vs. Emmanuel Sanders vs. Antonio Brown vs. Joe Burnett vs. Antwaan Randle El vs. Mewelde Moore vs. Mike Wallace - If the Steelers were allowed to keep 54 men on the roster, this might make things a little easier. The roster limit remains at 53 and last years return specialist Stefan Logan owns a valuable roster spot. The smallish pinball type player only has one shot at making the 2010 roster once again at that is by standing head and shoulders above the completion in both kickoff and punt returns. New to the battle this year are rookie draft pick wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Both are accomplished return men in college with Brown being the better all around return man of the two. Sanders is almost certain to make the 53 man roster as the 4th or 5th receiver based on early reports. Brown is not a lock right now. Throw in cornerback Joe Burnett, who failed miserable in the 2009 pre season as a return man, the aging Antwaan Randle El and Mewelde Moore to keep everyone honest and you just do not have a ton of reps to go around to find the right guy. Let us not forget speedster Mike Wallace in this talk either although he will have enough on his plate adjusting to the number two receiving role with Santonio Holmes now gone. You still have to think he is an out lying option though. The real battle I believe will be between Logan and Sanders for the kick returning job. If Sanders can challenge Logan in output there, I think the punt return duties could be his as well. Logan needs to make himself uncut-able once again and that means he needs some big returns in the pre season. I think his one year flash is over as the Steelers need the roster spot very bad. Let us hope there are tons of opportunities to around in the pre season games. May the best hands and feet win.

Incoming search terms for the article:

• jonathan Dwyer steelers
• frank summers 2010 training camp
• steelers
• steelers training camp battles

The biggest news today is that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has agreed to a three-year contract extension. Tomlin's new contract extension will carry him through 2014. His original contract when the Steelers hired him in 2007, had one year and an option left on it. Ed Bouchette also writes that football operations director Kevin Colbert as he is in the final year of his contract.

In other big news from Monday, ESPN James Walker reported that Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley will not be given an extension before this season starts. The Steelers normally do not negotiate contracts while the season is underway, so that leaves around 8 weeks left to get something done. The biggest obstacle is the 30% rule and the guaranteed money needed to get around it that seems to be a hanging point. The Steelers could use the franchise tag if it is in the new CBA, when one is agreed upon. Woodley said on the Sirius radio show, Moving The Chains, he was not going to pout about it and things will work themselves out. He has no control over it.

John Harris caught up with former Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend, who hasn't given up hope of returning to the NFL or even the Steelers in 2010. He is staying in shape by working out with speed and conditioning coach Tom Shaw down in Florida. Should an injury or two happen in the Steelers secondary, Townsend very well could be on speed dial. Let's hope not.

Dale Lolley has resurfaced and writes about how big of challenge head coach Mike Tomlin faces headed into this season. Lolley says if the Steelers some how make the playoffs in 2010, it would be Tomlin's best coaching job to date and it is hard to argue that from the way things look right now.

Ravens veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason wasn’t shy about making his expectations known about the upcoming season during an interview with 105.7 The Fan. Mason said, “Anything less than a Super Bowl win, really, is a disappointment to us.” Prepare to be disappointed Mr. Mason.

The handicappers at Bodog.com have released the over/under props win totals for all 32 teams for the 2010 season. Right now the Steelers are at 8.5. They have the Colts and Chargers leading the AFC way with 11 and the Saints on the NFC side with 10.5.

Incoming search terms for the article:

• bodog
• coach tom shaw 2010 workout steeler
• kevin colbert contract
• terrell ownes to the steelers espn
• Twitter Woodley Tomlin Steelers

Steelers.com latest article by Bob Labriola focuses on new special teams coach Al Everest and the task he has ahead to improve the overall poor play last season on the special teams unit.

Ed Bouchette explains how the upcoming capless salary cap season might make it tough for the Steelers to sign linebacker LaMarr Woodley to a long-term contract. Woodley is about to enter the final year of his rookie contract this upcoming season.

Sporting News writer Dennis Dillon has a 7 question interview with head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin does not reveal much, but does say the Steelers will not approach the Ben Roethlisberger suspension from a survivalist mentality.

Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette looks back at the Steelers 2005 draft and grades it a B-.

Pittsburgh ESPN Radio host Chris Mack is saying that all signs are pointing to another mediocre season for the Steelers in 2010. He speculates that if the Steelers do not return to the playoffs that Tomlin might not get a new contract. Not sure I buy any of that.

Deshea Townsend is still a free agent but is busy working with Dr. Zane Gates speaking to state lawmakers about a bill that would fund clinics across the state Pennsylvania.

Yesterday, Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette posted some final thoughts and videos on free agents Ryan Clark, Willie Parker and DeShea Townsend. All three are now considered former Steelers and are free to sign elsewhere

Speaking of Willie, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already shown interest in Parker. It is still early in the game, but Tampa surely could be one of the few final destinations for FWP.

The Steelers are lining up a few free agent visitors of their own as 49ers free agent wide receiver Arnaz Battle is coming in for a visit this weekend to Pittsburgh.

Another player to be rumored to be on the Steelers radar is former New England Patriots free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden. The problem is that several teams are also interested in Bodden and the price tag will be too high for the Black and Gold.

Former Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El was cut loose by the Redskins on Thursday. El signed a seven-year contract worth $31 million that included $11.5 million in bonuses following the Super Bowl 40 season.

The Fort Cherry alumni play the Pittsburgh Steelers basketball team tonight at 8 p.m. at Fort Cherry High School. Among the Steelers players scheduled to be there are James Harrison, Charlie Batch, Deshea Townsend and Rashard Mendenhall. It will be interesting if indeed Batch and Townsend are there as they both are free agents.

Tribune Review columnist John Harris thinks Mike Tomlin is better at handling the media than Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is. Harris must be struggling for subject matter.

Time is running out to launch Cinderella into the 2010 Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament finals. If you do not vote for me, at least vote. Will you really let a Bucco blog beat a Steelers blog though? Just saying. Vote here! On a side note, many of asked if I will have the 2010 NFL Combine Results as they come in this week and next. The answer is of course yes. I am a junkie and will have the same great coverage as last year.

Former great Steelers defensive back Carnell Lake resigned from his position as UCLA cornerbacks coach on Monday for "family reasons," the school announced. We wish Carnell all the best and hope it is nothing serious.

The Patriots put the franchise tag on nose tackle Vince Wilfork yesterday with the hopes of getting a long term deal done before the season. The Steelers will likely be doing the same thing any day now with Casey Hampton. Hampton will not be pleased and will not mix words with the media if it happens. Word is the announcement could come today.

Kent State University is honoring linebacker James Harrison by inducting him into their Varsity “K” Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on Feb. 27 at Kent State Student Center Ballroom.

On Friday, Mike Todd filled in for Ken Laird on Stillers365. He talked about the free agents that the Steelers should keep, and spoke to cornerback Deshea Townsend. Listen below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The Steelers 2009 season showed many holes that the Steelers need to address during the 2010 NFL draft. Below I will list I what I feel the draft needs are going into the draft. These are in no particular order and I will have my mock draft up pretty soon in the coming days.

Nose Tackle - Regardless if the Steelers decide to franchise Casey Hampton or not, the Steelers need a young 3-4 nose tackle in waiting. There are rumblings a future shift to a 4-3 defense may be coming in future years, but I do not see this happening while Dick LeBeau is still in charge of the defense. If one is drafted, you could see one that is a bit lighter and mobile that could transition into a 4-3 interior defensive tackle.

Inside Linebacker - James Farrior has definetly lost a step. A 3 down inside linebacker that has leadership qualities is needed badly. One that can play the pass as well as the run. A future captain for the defense could very well be drafted this year and play both inside and outside while delivering on special teams in his rookie year.

Cornerback - The Steelers drafred Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis in 2009. Burnett is still learning and Lewis barely saw the field. Neither showed qualities of being a shut down corner. William Gay and old man Deshea Townsend are both free agents and both are only fringe nickel corners at best if either are brought back.

Safety - Other than Troy Polamalu, the Steelers are weak at the both strong and free safety. Ryan Clark and Tyrone Carter are both free agents and even if Clark is brought back, father time has caught up with him. You could see both a strong and free safety addressed in the draft. Hopefully both are hitters who can make an instant impact on special teams.

Offensive Line - You can never have enough good offensive linemen. The Steelers have 4 of the 5 starters under contract and Ramon Foster proved he can be a swing guy. A left tackle that can play both sides early on would be a welcome sight. A center needs to be groomed for the future as well.

Running Back - Rashard Mendenhall showed he can fit the role of a 3 down running back, but with Willie Parker likely gone and Mewelde Moore being a 3rd down back only, it leaves the Steelers with a bulky Frank Summers and practice squaders Isaac Redman and Justin Vincent as the only true backups to Mendenhall. If Summers is groomed as a pure fullback, then the Steelers are even thinner at the position.

Right Defensive End - Brett Keisel will be 32 in mid September and Nick Eason is a free agent. A young right defensive end is needed to get groomed fast. Rookie Ziggy Hood is better suited on the left side, but regardless, the defensive line needs younger bodies.

Tight End - Matt Spaeth is a free agent and not a blocking tight end. Heath Miller will be the man for a while, but the other tight ends on the roster are mostly H-Backs. A true duel threat tight end that can both block and catch should be addressed. If nothing else for depth in case Miller were to go down or need a breather.

Incoming search terms for the article:

• pittsburgh steeler rookie 2010 draft highlights
• frank summers steelers 2010
• Steelers 2010
• steelers draft needs
• steelers draft 2010
• STEELERS 2010 DRAFT
• pittsburgh steelers 2010 draft choices
• 2010 steelers draft choices
• NAMES OF 5 PEOPLE ON DEFENCE 5 PEOPLE ON OFFENCE FOR THE STEELERS
• how will the steelers do in 2010

It's that time of year again. Here is a closer look at the 2010 Steelers free agents list as we head into the offseason. I listed the probability of their return with a brief summary of the player. The 3 most high profile free agents are Casey Hampton, Jeff Reed and Willie Colon. I also noted if they are restricted or unrestricted free agents.

LB Patrick Bailey RFA – Bailey is a special teamer that registered 13 tackles on returns in 2009. He was also part of one of the worst Steelers special teams units in quite a while. Bailey is a coin flip at best to return in 2010. He could be re-signed and brought to camp, but with another draft right around the corner, he likely could be beat out by another rookie linebacker.

Probability of returning: Coin Flip

RT Willie Colon RFA - Because of 2010 looking like an uncapped season, Colon will not qualify to be an unrestricted free agent. With a little more emphasis expected to be on the running game in 2010, Colon likely will be tendered at a first or second round offer in hopes of bringing him back. He also might be considered for a new contract before the start of free agency. Either way, I feel pretty good about him being back on the roster in 2010.

Probability of returning: 75%

RB Carey Davis RFA - Davis was brought back at the end of September when rookie running back Frank Summers was placed on injured reserve with a back injury. Davis was inactive a few games nonetheless and the Steelers will likely just keep his number in the Rolodex.

Probability of returning: 5%

CB William Gay RFA – Big Play William Gay lived up to his name in 2010 by giving up several big plays. At the end of the season veteran Deshea Townsend was having to start in his place. I doubt he will be tendered and will be allowed to sign elsewhere when free agency starts.

(UPDATED February 22nd) I have changed by stance on Gay based on the landscape of free agency and removing my personal bias. It does indeed make since that he will be tendered at some level and better than average shot of being brought back.

Probability of returning: 5% 55%

P Daniel Sepulveda RFA – Sepulveda was a welcome sight to Steelers fans. He did not amaze in 2010, but I can not remember any shanks either. He could be a sought after free agent, but the Steelers likely will tender him high enough to keep him. The last thing the Steelers want to do is to waste a draft pick on a punter or worry about bringing in someone else late in free agency.

Probability of returning: 95%

TE Matt Spaeth RFA – Spaeth is a curious subject and could go either way. He is the only other real pass catching tight end on the roster besides Heath Miller. If he is tendered or resigned, he likely will have some competition in form of a draft pick or free agent signing.

Probability of returning: Coin Flip

C/G Darnell Stapleton RFA – Stapleton never made it out of training camp with a knee injury and spent the season on IR. He is better suited at center, but can play some guard, but not at a high level. The Steelers will likely draft a guard or center in the draft and if Stapleton signs for the minimum, he might be in camp fighting for a roster spot.

Probability of returning: 25%

QB Charlie Batch UFA - Father time tracked down Charlie in 2008. He and Dennis Dixon sprinted past him in 2009. Batch likely will retire and at best be a training camp invite. Based on his veteran minimum, he will be too expensive to be a number 3 in 2010.

Probability of returning: 10%

LB Rocky Boiman UFA – Boiman was brought in late for special teams help and I can't see him being brought back.

Probability of returning: 0%

SS Tyrone Carter UFA – Carter has a history with Tomlin and is much better suited as a backup free safety instead of a backup strong safety. All that said, the Steelers need to get younger in the secondary, so Carter has likely played his last game in Pittsburgh.

Probability of returning: 0%

FS Ryan Clark UFA – Clark has seen his better days and really played below the line in 2009. I can't see the Steelers re-signing him or placing a tag on him. In an uncapped year, Clark can get bigger money elsewhere for his final contract. This one still could really go either way.

Probability of returning: 35%

DE Nick Eason UFA - Eason will be 30 in May and while he showed some glimpses of good play in a few games, he was inactive for several others. He will likely be signed by another team needing backup defensive end help. I doubt he will be back.

Probability of returning: 15%

NT Casey Hampton UFA - Big Snack claims he wants to come back. He made the Pro Bowl this year and will be very upset if he hit with the franchise tag without the promise of working out a bigger contract. He stands to make big money if not tagged and could hold out if he is slapped with an exclusive tag. The Steelers certainly will be looking for another nose tackle early in the draft and that might not set will with him either. If I was a betting man, I say he is gone, but for right now it is a toss up.

Probability of returning: Coin Flip

DE Travis Kirschke UFA - Kirschke will be 36 at the start of the 2010 season. He does not have much left in the tank and will likely sign elsewhere as a reserve.

Probability of returning: 5%

RB Willie Parker UFA - FWP is saying all the right things, but simply will not be back. He also had his best performance in week 17 versus Miami and that alone will get him big money elsewhere. He does not want to be a number 2 to Rashard Mendenhall if brought back. Off he will go to free agency.

Probability of returning: 0%

K Jeff Reed UFA - Despite his off field problems and early season hiccup, Reed was money this year. No one knows Heinz Field like he does and he can win games for the Steelers. He will be a perfect candidate for a transition tag or a new deal. He needs to work on his kickoffs in the offseason.

Probability of returning: 90%

CB Deshea Townsend UFA - I just can't see Townsend being worth any type of money. There are holes in the Steelers secondary and they will be filled with younger bodies in 2010.

Probability of returning: 0%

WR Joey Galloway UFA - Who? Signed for the final 2 games, Galloway never was active. He was merely a veteran to use in case Hines Ward could not heal his hamstrings. Gone for sure.

Probability of returning: 0%

Incoming search terms for the article:

• deshea townsend free agent
• steeler free agents
• Steelers free agency
• who did the steelers pick up in free agency

The Steelers will have two franchise tags (teams will have use of one franchise tag and one franchise transition tags) to use should the 2010 season be an uncapped year. Right now the Steelers have 11 unrestricted free agents listed below. Their are really only 2 players that realistically could be considered for the franchise tag, those being Casey Hampton and Jeff Reed. By placing the franchise tag on a player, the Steelers must offer a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. While those amounts are not known yet, the cost for a defensive tackle in 2009 with a tag was just over 6 million, while the cost for placing the tag on a kicker was almost 2.5 million.

Another concern is the players attitude. I think Jeff Reed would be fine with being franchised. He could likely get a little longer contract for close to the same type money, but he knows Heinz Field and would likely be fine earning nearly 3 million dollars. Casey Hampton could be a problem though. He has publicly stated he does not want to be franchised, but is open to staying in Pittsburgh. Should he be franchised, his attitude and preparations could be affected. In a season without a salary cap, Hampton stands to profit pretty good with a final and lucrative contract. Considering his age, I do not think the Steelers will want to sign Hampton to a multi-year deal that could hurt future seasons should a cap be put back in place.

In closing, I see Reed being the only unrestricted free agent player being given an exclusive franchise tag.

Steelers Unrestricted Free Agents
QB Charlie Batch
LB Rocky Boiman
S Tyrone Carter
FS Ryan Clark
DE Nick Eason
WR Joey Galloway
NT Casey Hampton
DE Travis Kirschke
RB Willie Parker
K Jeff Reed
CB Deshea Townsend

Would you want it any other way as a Steelers fan? A week 16 matchup that means a ton to both teams playoff wise. The Ravens are currently on the inside looking out, while the Steelers are on the outside looking in. At the end of the day on Sunday, the Steelers could have their destiny in their own hands with a win against Baltimore and several other key games falling their way.

The Steelers once again will be without safety Troy Polamalu, while the Ravens will likely be minus safety Ed Reed. The Ravens secondary limps in also without cornerback Lardarius Webb, who has been lost for the season. The Steelers will try to attack a patch worked Ravens secondary through the air, while the Ravens will look to release all purpose running back Ray Rice on the Steelers defense. Rice had 155 yards combined in the week 12 meeting between the two teams in which the Ravens won in overtime. In that game, third string quarterback Dennis Dixon started for the injured Ben Roethlisberger and managed to keep the game close. This time around, Roethlisberger is healthy and coming off of his best performance of his career against the Packers.

If the Steelers want to win this game, they must continue doing what they have been doing right on offense, while the defense needs to find a way not to collapse in the 4th quarter. Linebacker James Harrison is a game time decision, but should play. His effectiveness could be limited with his recent bicep injury though. Also on defense, cornerback Deshea Townsend will start in place of William Gay at left cornerback. Gay has been targeted and torched over the last several weeks, so the change is indeed needed. Gay will continue to play in nickel defense formations as the extra cornerback on passing downs. He needs to be up for the task and the role, regardless. Linebacker James Farrior needs to reach deep as well. The aging linebacker is showing his age and has been missing key tackles, especially late in games. The Steelers defense has not forced a turnover in the last 3 games and that has to change today if the Steelers want to win.

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall needs to keep up his effectiveness as an all purpose back as well. Mendenhall contributed 73 reception yards last week versus Green Bay and will likely see his role in the passing game continue this week as well. The Steelers offense needs to take advantage of what the Ravens give them defensively as the running game should not be abandoned too early. The Ravens will look to hide their injured secondary, so the opportunity to run should be there all day as well.

Two weeks ago, it looked as if the Steelers season was over. Several things have gone their way since then and the Steelers must win today so they can continue to watch the scoreboard for more help across the league. At the end of Sunday, the Steelers very well could control their own destiny for the post season, but it starts with taking care of Baltimore first. Lose and the season is definitely over. I think the Steelers will rise to the occasion in their final home game of the season. This one will be close, but the Steelers will find a way to win this one.

Prediction: Steelers 24 Ravens 20

Below are seven matchups or things to look for on Sunday as the Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens.

Silverback And The Blindside - James Harrison showed up on the Friday injury report as questionable with a bicep injury, but all signs still point to him playing. Harrison very well could be lining up against Ravens rookie Michael Oher, who looks to line up at left offensive tackle for the third consecutive game in place of the injured Jared Gaither. Oher will be in charge of protecting the blindside of Joe Flacco. Harrison has 43 tackles, six sacks and four forced fumbles in the past six meetings with the Ravens.

Old Man Townsend - Deshea Townsend looks to start at left cornerback this week in place of the struggling William Gay. Gay will be the nickel corner on passing downs with Townsend covering the slot receiver in the nickel packages. Townsend likes to gamble and could be in line for the first Steelers interception by a cornerback if he gambles right on Sunday. Good play by Townsend could be the difference in the game.

Attacking Injured Ratbirds Secondary - The Steelers may be missing Troy Polamalu once again, but the Ravens are extremely thin in their secondary, especially if safety Ed Reed misses another game. The Ravens are also missing rookie Lardarius Webb who is now out for the season and Chris Carr will start in his place. Fabian Washington was also lost for the season a month ago and the Ravens secondary is pieced together with late free agent signings. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will certainly look to exploit the secondary with certain matchups and the Steelers should be able to move the ball through the air on the Ravens.

Rice Rice Baby - It is no secret that Ravens running back Ray Rice was the difference in the last game versus the Ravens. The Steelers did a poor job containing him on passing downs and can not let linebacker James Farrior to be singled up on Rice. The Steelers must get a defensive back to spy on Rice to help limit his effectiveness, especially on third downs.

3rd Downs On Both Sides - The Steelers need to do a better job at converting their own 3rd downs on offense and stopping the Ravens on defense on 3rd downs. This may be the most telling stat of the game on Sunday. Whoever does a better job converting these downs will likely win the game.

Turnovers Wanted - The Steelers have struggled at getting turnovers this year, especially turnovers at key points in the game. If the Steelers do not win the turnover stat on Sunday, they will not win the game. It is now or never for the final time for the defense.

Pressure Unibrow - Joe Flacco was must sacked, hurried and knocked down all day. Let him get comfortable in the pocket and he will pick the defense apart. The front 3 must get a better push on passing downs and corner blitzes will need to be disguised and mixed in often on passing downs. Flacco does not need to throw for 300 yards to win. He can throw for only 200 and still beat you. He must pay the price for standing in the pocket.