Steelers Preview
By George Bruce
    
I'd like to begin my first column by thanking the bosses at Ravens Town for giving me the chance to express my opinion. I have published articles, but this is my first column.
    
Rehearsal is over, and the games are for real this Sunday in Pittsburgh. The Ravens should win, but nothing is a sure thing in Three Rivers Stadium where the Steelers are always tough.
    
The Ravens upgraded their offense by signing Shannon Sharpe and Ben Coates, which will give them the best tight end set in the game. Their first round draft picks, running back Jamal Lewis and wide receiver Travis Taylor improved the offense as well, although Lewis missed most of the preseason with an elbow injury, and Taylor missed time due to holding out. Both are now ready to contribute.
    
The Ravens also have more depth with running back veteran Priest Holmes and receiver Quadry Ismail. Veteran receiver Jermaine Lewis is also ready to go from the slot receiver position, and receiver Patrick Johnson will add more depth when he returns from a shoulder injury.
    
Coach Bill Cowher surprised quarterback Kordell Stewart by announcing Kent Graham as starting against the Ravens. Many expected Stewart to start.
    
However, Graham had a better preseason than Stewart, but Stewart is more mobile, something the Steelers will need against the Ravens quick and aggressive defensive line.
    
Graham was 31-of-57 for 334 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception during the preseason. He connected 19-of-55 passes for 236 yards to the his rookie receivers - Plexico Burress and Troy Edwards.
    
The Steelers defense held the Redskins to 17 points while losing Friday night and are always tough at home.
    
As expected, the Ravens will start Tony Banks whose statistics are similar to Graham's. He was 22-of-55 for 236 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions but hasn't found himself yet.

Coach Brian Billick said he is comfortable with Banks and back-up quarterback, Trent Dilfer. The Sun quoted Billick as saying he wanted more efficiency the last two games but is comfortable with the productivity from both while waiting for Banks to hit his comfort zone.

The Ravens added more depth this year except with the offensive line. The defense dominated in preseason with 17 sacks, 11 takeaways and allowed a 47 yard percent completion rate.

However, they seemed to be going through the motions against the Giants Friday night as rookie running back Ron Dayne rushed for 60 yards on 15 carries against a defense that didn't allow a 100 yard rusher all last year. Dayne score from the five standing up.

The offensive line is the weak link. Both right guard Mike Flynn and right tackle Harry Swayne missed two exhibition games due to injuries.

The left side of the line is anchored by All-Pro Jonathan Ogden who expects to become the richest lineman. Second year veteran Ed Mulitalo plays next to him and started eight games last season. Neither Mulitalo or Flynn ever started a full 16-game schedule, and Flynn has already missed two preseason games.

The Ravens should win, but don't take this game for granted because the Steelers are always tough at home, and Banks hasn't found his comfort zone.