The Road Taken to AFC Championship

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 -- As we head into the NFL’s 2008- 2009 AFC Championship round, let’s take a quick look at the two teams involved and how they’ve come to this juncture.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens (13- 5) are one of two major surprises in the conference round. After taking one of the AFC Wild-Card spots, they beat the AFC East Championship Miami Dolphins 27- 9 and then the AFC South Championship Tennessee Titans 13- 10. They did it by utilizing an ultra tough defense and a running game that was good enough to win. Quarterback Joe Flacco has played good enough to not lose but not like a Super Bowl QB. They will meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final game before the Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers (13- 4) earned a bye in week one by taking the AFC North and posting the second-best record in the conference. Last week they beat the AFC West Division champion San Diego Chargers 35- 24. Against the Chargers, Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker, who has been battling a knee injury for much of the regular-season, posted his best game of the year. He ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns. In that game, the Pitt defense was especially effective versus the run.

Game Time

These two teams will meet on Sunday, January 18 at 6:30 PM in Pittsburgh, PA. The game will be telecast on CBS. Check out the full preview of the game on Sports Pundit. You’ll find it under the title—AFC Championship: Ravens Vs. Steelers.