How Important is Game #1?

Yes - there are a lot of great match ups to kick-off the 2011 NFL season. Green Bay vs Saints, Colts vs Texans, Jets vs Cowboys and even Giants vs Redskins are all either intriguing or at least a long term rivalry. None however stand up to the Ravens vs Steelers game this Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

Was it a stroke of scheduling genius or another example of the Ravens getting Rogerized? I think it just might be a little of both. Let's look at the positives:

* First games of the season often bring surprises. With the long lockout leaving less time for preparation, this season should produce more upsets than usual. Never mind the fact that the Ravens seem to be receiving a home field advantage when it comes to point spreads. If the BlackBirds come away victorious on Sunday, it will be deemed a David vs Goliath win in the press.

* This 2011 Ravens team IS improved. Even with saying goodbye to long-time favorites, this 2011 Baltimore football club got better at every position (including offensive line). It may take a few weeks for this years squad to run on all cylinders, but the changes made may be just as much of a problem for the Iron City defense in Game #1 than it is for our offense.

* What better two teams of warriors could be lined up on a football field ready to do battle on the 10th anniversary of 9/11? When these two teams play it is no holds barred and take no prisoners. Every football fan in the world loves to watch the Ravens & Steelers play. Hopefully the national TV guys get this one right and broadcast it coast to coast!

Season Openers typically do not a season make. This is exactly where I think that the scheduling brain trust may have thrown the Ravens a curve ball.

* This division grudge match is always the highlight game of the season. That spotlight typically comes in November. The season has fully given way to football weather. Previous wins and losses add to the urgency of a victory. Division championships and wild card berths are more than a pre-season dream. Crunch time is upon us! This Sunday, the Ravens faithful will fill the stadium in shorts and tee shirts, fresh from their last trip to the shore, hon.

* The media. The last six months have been spent listening to the talking heads take listeners calls about how our QB can't beat Big Ben, can't beat the Steelers, can't win the big one, blah, blah, blah. Never mind the fact that the same QB is now 4-3 in PLAYOFF games in his first three season - all on the road! Can you imagine the bonehead calls that will light up the air if the Ravens lose another to the yellow and black?

* We need a W more than the Steeltowners. The other guys will brush it off and go about their business - just like last season when Ben was on the sidelines for the first four games. Another loss to our #1 Rivals right out of the gate could certainly add pressure to a team that has fallen short the last three seasons.

With all of that said, let's play some football. Let's cheer on our team. Let our voices drown out the opponents. Let our colors erase any glimpse of the yellow towel. Let's win!

Over the past month Marylanders have survived:
* an earthquake
* a hurricane
* tornado warnings
* floods

So, bring on them Steelers!