Editor: Joe Bryant. Game Recap Contributors: Mike Anderson, Michael Brown, Chris Burtt, J.D. Caldwell, David Dodds, Bobby Elder, Jim Enochs, Joel Faulhaber, Michael Flynn, Kevin Goldblum, Clayton Gray, Bob Harris, Fred Hebert, Jesse Hilsenrad, Drew Kendall, Jeff Lewis, Joey Matusek, Justin Oliver, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Cody Smith, Scott Smith, Jeffrey Stout. Pittsburgh 31 at Baltimore 18 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Pittsburgh Steelers: Plaxico Burress was on pace to have a great game until he got ejected just before halftime. He got into a scuffle after a James Trapp interception. Burress already had two touchdown receptions at the time. Tommy Maddox led the Steelers offense quickly and efficiently. The Steelers scored touchdowns on their first four possessions to take a 28-3 lead into halftime. With Jerome Bettis out today, Amos Zereoue got the start. He wasn't too effective from a yardage standpoint, rushing for only 53 yards. However, he had two touchdown carries, including one for 35 yards. Did not do enough to start any serious talk that Zereoue would be the # 1 RB when Bettis returns. Baltimore Ravens: QB Jeff Blake started in place of Chris Redman, who was out with back spasms. Blake did a good job of spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. Blake was 29/50 for 298 yards and had two touchdowns (1 rush). RB Jamal Lewis never had a chance to get going on the ground. With the Ravens down early, they ditched the running game. Travis Taylor, Todd Heap, and Jamal Lewis were Blake's top targets. They combined for 183 yards. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Pittsburgh Steelers QB: Tommy Maddox continued the roll with a great game. He completed his first 11 passes, and led the Steelers down the field for touchdowns on their first four drives. Maddox had touchdown passes of 20 yards and nine yards to Plaxico Burress. Maddox suffered a sprained ankle in the third quarter, but returned later in the game. He seemed to favor Hines Ward early in the game, but as the Ravens adjusted, he started to throw to Burress. After Burress was ejected just before halftime, Ward became his top target. Kordell Stewart only threw one pass while Maddox was out. RB: Amos Zereoue had two touchdowns (35 and 1 yards). Other than those touchdowns, he wasn't a big factor in this game. He only rushed for 53 yards, with only four in the second half. The Ravens defense did a good job of holding him down from a yardage viewpoint. WR: Plaxico Burress was on pace to have a great game until he got ejected at the end of the first half in a scuffle after a Tommy Maddox interception. Baltimore's James Trapp was also ejected. Unclear on TV exactly what Burress did. Before leaving, Burress had five receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns (20 yards and nine yards). He was one of Maddox's top targets. Hines Ward was Tommy Maddox's favorite receiver after Burress got ejected. He had eight catches for 97 yards. TE: No tight end played a part in the passing game today for Pittsburgh. Pass Defense: Struggled against Blake, allowing him to throw for 298 yards. They did intercept him three times, however. Rush Defense: With the Steelers up by scores of 14-0, 21-0, and 28-3, the Ravens had no option but not to run. Jamal Lewis was held to only 34 yards. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/** Baltimore Ravens QB: Starting QB Chris Redman was out with back spasms. Jeff Blake started in his place. Blake had the unfortunate task of playing from behind. When the Ravens fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter, they ditched the run in favor of the pass. Blake threw 50 passes, completing 29 of those. He had 298 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Overall, he did a decent job, but had the disadvantage of playing out of a big hole. Blake also showed some mobility. He ran six times for 25 yards and a touchdown. RB: Jamal Lewis was taken out of the game by the Steelers' strong start. With the Steelers up 14-0 by the end of the first quarter, the Ravens abandoned the run. Lewis had only 34 yards. However, Lewis caught five passes for 50 yards. He was one of Blake's top receiving targets. WR: Travis Taylor was the leading receiver for the Ravens today. He looked good with 7 catches for 82 yards. Taylor was Blake's top target. Brandon Stokely also looked good with four receptions for 50 yards. TE: Todd Heap continues to impress. He had six receptions for 51 yards. Heap had a nice 24 yard catch called back by holding. He used his size to create mismatches against linebackers. John Jones caught the Raven's only touchdown of the day. Rush Defense: The Ravens held Zereoue to only 54 yards but 2 TDs. They started off slow, but settled down after that. Pass Defense: Also started off slow, allowing Maddox to complete his first 11 passes. Maddox also threw two touchdown passes, but the Ravens settled in and held him to 174 yards.