--CB William Gay might remain as the starter with Ike Taylor even though former starter Bryant McFadden is healthy and returned to play in the nickel defense last week.

--WR Hines Ward has only seven receptions for 76 yards the past three games, after two consecutive games of 19 catches for 236 yards.

--QB Ben Roethlisberger's 14 TD passes are three fewer than his previous low for a season and 18 off his team record of last season.

--CB William Gay, who has started just four games and played as the No. 4 corner early in the season, is tied for the team lead with 11 passes defensed.

--DE Aaron Smith has 4.5 sacks, tied for his most since he had eight in 2004. Smith also leads Steelers linemen with 14 QB pressures.

--LB James Harrison not only tied the team record with 15 sacks and plays on every defensive snap, he is third on the team with 12 special teams tackles.

GAME PLAN: The Steelers had some success throwing the ball against the Ravens in Pittsburgh Sept. 29 and had little room to run. They'd love to run in Baltimore because of that pass rush and the home noise that can disrupt the passing game. Defensively, they will try to shut down the run and worry about the pass later.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Ravens ROLB Terrell Suggs vs. Steelers LT Max Starks. Suggs leads the Ravens with 6.5 sacks while Starks has done a good job replacing injured Marvel Smith.

Steelers RB Willie Parker vs. Ravens LB Ray Lewis and Ravens run defense. The Steelers want to run, but Lewis and Co. will have something to say about it.

Steelers S Ed Reed vs. Steelers S Troy Polamalu. They won't be on the field at the same time, but they're the two best safeties in the game and could determine its outcome.

INJURY IMPACT: OT Marvel Smith (back) will miss his ninth straight game. Max Starks again replaces him.

--DE Brett Keisel did not practice Friday and has been ruled out for the third consecutive week. Travis Kirschke again will start for him.

--FB Carey Davis did not practice Thursday and likely will miss Sunday's game with a calf injury. Sean McHugh will serve as the fullback.