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Analyst Dierdorf Previews Ravens-Steelers Game

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - CBS NFL analyst Dan Dierdorf joined the Fan Morning Show to break down the AFC Divisional match-up pitting the Steelers against the Ravens on Saturday.

According to Dierdorf, Dick LeBeau and the Steelers defense will have to be a little more patient after Joe Flacco showed in the wild card game that he is not afraid to get outside the pocket and run the ball.

He said Flacco will remind all his teammates when they break the huddle to keep their eye on Troy Polamalu because he is the biggest difference maker on the field.

The Steelers have suffered many injuries to the offensive line this season, including ones to key players Willie Colon and Max Starks. Dierdorf thinks it will be a struggle for the Steelers to make a run at the Super Bowl, and will be keeping his eye on the play of Flozell Adams.

"LeBeau will have to be creative," when dealing with tight end Todd Heap, Dierdorf said. He doesn't think Polamalu will be allowed to be as "free-wheeling" on Saturday, because LeBeau will not want to give up the middle of the field to Heap.

On the flip side of the ball, safety Ed Reed might be neutralized because of the speed of Mike Wallace. Dierdorf said Wallace's speed has "a positive effect" on the run game.

Another area Dierdorf will be watching to see how it affects the game is the turf at Heinz field. The field was re-sodded after the Winter Classic and has had only about a week to take hold.

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