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Injury Might Sideline Suggs

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 16, 2009

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - As usual, Terrell Suggs is the focus of attention during Ravens-Steelers week. This time, however, his mouth isn't the issue.

It's a sprained right shoulder that just might keep him out of the AFC Championship Game.

With his arm in a sling, Suggs spoke to the media for eight minutes Thursday. Instead of talking about bounties, his hatred of the Steelers or Baltimore's plan to neutralize trash-talking WR Hines Ward on Sunday, the Ravens linebacker ditched his trademark grin as he discussed his ailing shoulder.

"This game is bigger than all that nonsense," Suggs said, his voice barely above a whisper. "This game is 10 times bigger than cheap shots and playing with an injury or not playing with an injury. This game is that important. It's so important that I would consider sitting out to win it."

Suggs hurt his shoulder while tackling Tennessee QB Kerry Collins in the second quarter of Baltimore's 13-10 upset Saturday. He did not play in the second half and has not practiced this week, which means his streak of playing in 96 consecutive games in six seasons could be in serious jeopardy.

"I'm doing whatever I can. I've never missed a game, and I definitely don't want to start with the AFC Championship Game," he said. "I'm rehabbing four or five times a day. Come Sunday, we'll see."

Suggs is an instrumental piece of a defense that ranked second in the NFL during the regular season. He led the Ravens with eight sacks, had a career-high 102 tackles and intercepted two passes, taking one back for a touchdown.

His outstanding performance earned him a third invitation to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, but at this juncture of the season, his thoughts are on a far more important excursion: to Tampa for the Super Bowl.
Comebacks Are A Concern

Maybe it's premature to begin comparing Ben Roethlisberger to John Elway, even if the Steelers quarterback wears No. 7 in honor of the former Denver Broncos star.

When it comes to comebacks, Big Ben is becoming something of a current-day version of Elway, who led 47 fourth-quarter comebacks that either won or tied a game for his team.

In five NFL seasons, Roethlisberger has led 18 such rallies - five this season, two against Baltimore.

That could be one of the hidden factors in the Steelers' favor as they prepare to play the Ravens in the AFC title game. Comebacks are difficult to mount against defenses as good as the No. 2-ranked Ravens, yet Roethlisberger went 2-of-2 against them this season.

Mental advantage, Pittsburgh?

"That's just the attitude we've developed over the course of the year," LT Max Starks said Thursday. "Being in tight games and being in those situations where you needed those game-winning drives to win those games has made us stronger and given us confidence when it comes down to the fourth quarter."

While going 12-4 during the season, the Steelers rallied from 10 down to beat Baltimore 23-20 in overtime; 10 down in the fourth quarter to beat Dallas 20-13; six down in the fourth to beat Baltimore 13-9; two down in the fourth to beat San Diego 11-10 and seven down to beat Jacksonville 26-21.

Roethlisberger first displayed the ability to win games when his team was down as a rookie in 2004, when the Steelers won six times while trailing or tied in the fourth quarter.

"We don't like to have to do it," Roethlisberger said. "Normally you have to do it when you are struggling early on. It comes from the heart. A lot of guys have to step up and not make mistakes and do it when it counts."

"He's a lot different from a lot of quarterbacks because he's big and strong and he's fearless," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "And he can throw the ball on time. He can hold the ball. He can scramble and make plays on the run. He's probably the most accurate quarterback on the run in the league."

The Associated Press

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