The answer, in short, is yes — provided A LOT of things happen first. What’s most important? Um, winning tomorrow.

After the Steelers’ exciting one-point win during the final seconds against the Green Bay Packers last week, they may have the momentum to get them through a tough division rival on the road to the playoffs. Then again, the Baltimore Ravens are looking better and better. Safety Troy Polamalu is still out…how unfortunate, he really would’ve been utilized for an important game like this.

This game is full of interesting facets, to say the least. The Steelers almost beat the Ravens with their backup QB, Dennis Dixon. The Ravens also faced a mid-season slump, losing 5 of 7, while the Steelers were able to get out of their 5-game losing streak last week. Ben Roethlisberger threw for a record 503 yards against the Packers, yet we still only won by one point, due to defensive struggles yet again. Don’t even get me started on that on-side kick. So Coach Mike Tomlin decided to do it since he had so little faith in his defense. Well, why not let Green Bay just go ahead and score without eating up 2 minutes of the clock? Oh well, I guess it’s over and done with, but it was definitely one of the most curious decisions Tomlin’s ever made so far.

Both teams’ secondaries suck. Troy is out. Ed Reed is injured. The Ravens don’t have three of their most important cornerbacks. Our cornerbacks are just plain lousy. QBs Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger may have to take this game into their own hands, as Ben did last week. Usually, this game yields unexpected results. I think we can expect the same thing tomorrow.

I’ve actually tried not to think about this game too much, mostly due to the holidays, and of course because this rivalry is so huge and there are so many playoff implications to the game. After watching the Steelers barely win against a worthy opponent, I’m hoping that the offense can step up yet again. Ben will be looking to Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, and rookie Mike Wallace (who’s becoming more and more awesome with each passing game) to step it up if the defense can’t stop the Ravens. So long to the hard-hitting defenses of yesteryear (aka, last season). This Steelers team is brand-new and shiny, with a focus on the pass instead of the rush. It has been difficult for the Steeler faithful to witness. We’re used to great running backs and steel curtains. Putting the game on the QB’s shoulders? Hmmm…doesn’t sound like the Steeler way to me.

They’ve definitely hit bumps in the road, and the game against the Ravens will show all of us NFL fans what kind of character they have. Even if it’s close, I just want to see them play with some kind of desire. The loss against the Browns was probably the lowest point of the season. I couldn’t even bring myself to write about it, as they showed so little effort, and it was torturous to watch.

The game is so riddled with injuries to the defense, especially Baltimore’s (five linebackers are out as well), I don’t think it’ll be a defensive showdown. It’ll come down to Joe vs. Ben. After what I saw from Ben last week, it looks like we’ve actually got a shot. How will the defense respond to the criticism? Only time can tell. Can’t wait to see what happens!