The Ravens and Steelers were tied, 0-0, at the end of the first quarter.

This is why “defense wins championships” is one of the best and most accurate cliches in football.

There is such pressure on the opposing team when a lock-down defense is playing its game. One mistake, one big play by the opposing defense could be the difference between winning or losing. Meanwhile, the offense facing a top defense can and will press, looking for that one play that can break through and put quick points on the board. (Long drives don’t happen often.)

Ask yourself, later in the year, deep in the playoffs, which is easier to play: great defense or great offense? Ask the teams that played the Giants last year.

– Scott Hanson reporting from Baltimore.

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