Larry Brown Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have perhaps the most intense rivalry in the NFL, so it might not go over too well with Steelers fans to find out one of their players wants the enemy to win the Super Bowl.

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey told NBC’s Michele Tafoya during the Pro Bowl on Sunday that he is actually rooting for the Baltimore Ravens to win the big game.

“I know it’s going to sound crazy, but I’m pulling for Ray Lewis,” Pouncey admitted. “He’s from my hometown, and for him to go out on top would be a great look for our city.

“I know a lot of people aren’t going to like it, but I think it’s more of a hometown thing. For him to go out on top would be memorable.”

Pouncey and his twin, Mike, are from Lakeland, Fla., which is where Lewis played high school ball. I guess based on special circumstances we can give him a pass, though Steelers fans may not be as forgiving.

Pouncey was also asked for his thoughts on Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. He said the Harbaughs seem like “pretty good dudes” and “great coaches.” I’m sure the Harbaughs will be pleased to learn that some players view them as good dudes and great coaches.

After spending two weeks denying reports that rookie center Maurkice Pouncey was ruled out for the Super Bowl, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally admitted that they would be without their young Pro Bowler. The result is second-year center Doug Legursky from Marshall will start in Pouncey’s place, and that is a big advantage for the Green Bay Packers.

Legursky replaced Pouncey in the AFC Championship Game when Maurkice hurt his ankle (the injury that resulted in him missing the Super Bowl). Doug botched a snap to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that resulted in a fumble in that game, something that should never happen. Even though they’ve had two weeks to practice and get in-sync, it’s still a difference in comfortability for the quarterback to have someone new snapping him the ball.

The other area where Pouncey’s injury will be a major factor is blocking. Legursky is 6’1″, and though he’s strong, he’s shorter than the 6’4″ Florida rookie. Green Bay runs a 3-4 defense, lining up nose tackle B.J. Raji in front of the center frequently. Though Raji often hangs back in zone coverage if he recognizes pass plays, he should be able to push Legursky around on runs, and be able to get his hands up to block passes.

It’s not often that injuries not related to the quarterback have such an impact on a football game, but this could be one. We’ve already seen what Raji can do based on his big play in the NFC Championship Game. Don’t be surprised if he has an even bigger impact on the Super Bowl.

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