Steelers @ Baltimore: The matchups

The Steelers come off of one of their worst performances of the season and without their starting quarterback, running back, wide receiver/punt returner, and free safety. So, to say that things look bleak would be an understatement. But maybe, just maybe, there is a glimmer of hope to be found in the numbers. However, the special teams statistics show a clear advantage to Baltimore, with Jacoby Jones leading the conference in kickoff return average and touchdown returns (2).

Baltimore Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Baltimore offense 16th (354.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (265.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Baltimore offense 20th (104.9) v. Steelers defense 6th (85.1)

Average net passing yards per game: Baltimore offense 13th (249.2) v. Steelers defense 1st (171.1)

Average points per game: Baltimore offense 4th (28.2) v. Steelers defense 7th (19.7)

Steelers Offense v. Baltimore Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 16th (354.1) v. Baltimore defense 27th (390.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (103.8) v. Baltimore defense 26th (132.0)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (250.3) v. Baltimore defense 26th (258.2)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 18th (23.0) v. Baltimore defense 13th (21.8)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Baltimore 21st (7.8) v. Steelers 16th (9.0)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Baltimore 7th (7.4) v. Steelers 10th (7.9)

Average yards per kick return: Baltimore 1st (29.8) v. Steelers 6th (27.8)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Baltimore 12th (23.0) v. Steelers 25th (25.9)

Net yardage punting average: Baltimore 16th (40.0) v. Steelers 28th (37.3)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Baltimore 26th (41.7) v. Steelers 16th (39.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Baltimore 7th (+9) v. Steelers 14th (+0)

Time of possession: Baltimore 30th (26:46) v. Steelers 2nd (34:16)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Baltimore 5th (65.5%) v. Steelers 19th (50.0%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Baltimore 1st (43.8%) v. Steelers 20th (55.6%)

Sacks allowed: Baltimore 14th (19) v. Steelers 14th (19)

Some Individual Numbers (AFC only)
Passer rating: Joe Flacco, 7th (88.3, 186 Comp., 60.2% Comp. pct., 13 TDs, 7 INTs) v. Byron Leftwich, unranked (65.5, 7 Comp., 50.0% Comp. pct., 0 TDs, O INTs)

Leading rushers: Ray Rice, 7th (628 yards, 4.8 yds. per carry, 6 TDs) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 15th, (355 yards, 4.6 yds per carry, 0 TDs) & Isaac Redman, 17th (295 yds., 3.5 yds. per carry, 2 TDs)

Leading receivers: Anquan Boldin, 18th (40 catches, 548 yards, 13.7 per catch, 1 touchdown) v. Heath Miller, 11th (43 catches, 431 yards, 10.0 yards per catch, 6 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: Dannelle Ellerbe, 17th (3.5) v. Larry Foote, LaMarr Woodley, & Jason Worilds 22nd (3.0 each)