RAVENS 26, STEELERS 6

Steelers' record: 1-1
One year ago: 0-2
Series record (including playoffs): Steelers lead, 23-19

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STORYLINE**
In Pittsburgh, the days leading up this installment of Steelers-Ravens were spent getting the body ready for what promised to be a physical 60 minutes of football.

"Getting prepared, both mentally and physically, I know for myself," said Ben Roethlisberger about the challenges of a Thursday night against the Ravens. "A lot of guys are beat up, just typical soreness after a football game, and then it's turning it around to a couple days later to play probably one of the most physical games you'll play all year. Being able to get your body as ready to play as your mind is."

In Baltimore, there also were the daily revelations in the Ray Rice domestic violence incident that built to the Wednesday night announcement that the NFL had named former FBI director Robert Mueller to lead an independent investigation into the league's handling of the Rice case. How could it not have been a distraction to the Ravens players, and maybe even coaches?

"I think we all are kind of surprised after everything and finally seeing everything," said Terrell Suggs. "It definitely kind of blindsided us. Ray is our brother, and we're not going to abandon him internally now. We're trying to take it like the world never saw that. We wish Ray all the best, but like I said, we're getting ready to play the Steelers. We knew we weren't going to have him this week."

TURNING POINT
The Steelers were trailing by 10-3 at halftime, and then the offense drove for a 43-yard field goal on the opening possession of the third quarter to make the score 10-6. But the defense responded by collapsing on the ensuing possession. During an 80-yard touchdown drive that put the Ravens on top, 17-6, Joe Flacco completed 6-for-6 passes, including a 1-yard touchdown to Owen Daniels to cap a possession that also included two unnecessary roughness penalties on the Steelers.

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STAT THAT STANDS OUT I**
In the second half against the Browns, the Steelers defense allowed three touchdowns and a field goal in Cleveland's first four possessions. Against the Ravens, the defense allowed scoring drives on the first two possessions – a 12-play, 85-yard touchdown drive and then an 11-play, 73-yard field goal drive.

STAT THAT STANDS OUT II
The Steelers have been a highly penalized team through the first two weeks of the regular season. It was 11 penalties for 96 yards against the Browns. Against the Ravens, the Steelers had been penalized nine times for 75 yards.

STAT THAT STANDS OUT III
Splash plays by the defense have been in short supply. Against the Ravens, the Steelers had no takeaways, no sacks, and only two passes defensed in 29 attempts by Joe Flacco. Against the Browns, the Steelers had two sacks and no takeaways.