PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) — Bob Pompeani visited with Hines Ward to preview the Steelers-Ravens game.

Even though he’s no longer playing, Ward still looks forward to the game.  Ward says that Byron Leftwich has to play flawlessly and the line has to protect him.

Rashard Mendenhall returns versus the Ravens and Ward feels that he needs to be eased back into the lineup.  But having him back can ease the pressure on the passing game, especially if the running game can gain 100 yards.

Ward has so many great memories of the Steelers-Ravens series, but what stands out is the 2008 season, when the Steelers won all three meetings en route to winning the Super Bowl.  Ward also recalled his infamous hit on Ed Reed.

Hines ended the conversation by discussing Ryan Clark’s concussions as well as other topics from around the NFL.