Passing attack overwhelms the Ravens

Quarterback Tommy Maddox threw for 260 yards on 21-for-29 and three TDs.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- Considered the team's strength, the Baltimore Ravens' defense was supposed to frustrate the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense enough to give rookie quarterback Kyle Boller a chance to keep the game close.
The Steelers' passing attack ruined that game plan in Sunday's opener at Heinz Field.
Quarterback Tommy Maddox completed 21 of 29 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns as the two-time defending AFC North Division champions coasted to a 34-15 triumph.
Riemersma helps
Although wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward hauled in the most passes, they credited the work of the team's new starting tight end, Jay Riemersma, for making them better.
"[Riemersma's presence] is going to help Plex and [me] out tremendously," said Ward after catching nine passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
"Last year, we'd get double coverage sometimes and it's kind of hard for us to get anything going in the passing game," Ward said. "But with the addition of Jay stretching the defense, Plex and I are going to see a lot of one-on-one coverage."
Riemersma, who played seven seasons in Buffalo before joining the Steelers as a free agent, beat out eight-year starter Mark Bruener, who excels more at blocking than receiving.
Effective player
Burress, who caught six passes for 116 yards, said Riemersma "is going to create a lot of problems for teams that we play. Teams have to make choices and he's going to be a special guy to help this offense.
"He can get up the field and get in those seams very fast and it creates problems for defensive backs," Burress said. "I think that's what is special for us that we can get in a regular formation and [gain a lot]."
With the Steelers ahead 13-0 early in the third quarter, Riemersma beat Ravens safety Ed Reed and caught a 20-yard touchdown pass. He downplayed his part in the play that broke the Ravens' spirit.
"Really, it's not about me getting the touchdown pass - it's about what the other 10 guys did that enabled me to get the touchdown pass," the former Michigan standout said. "They executed the play to perfection and the coaches called it at the right time."
Maddox finds Ward
One play after linebacker Jason Gildon recovered a Jam Lewis fumble at the Baltimore 28, Maddox found an unguarded Ward for an easy touchdown and 27-0 lead.
"Jay took care of the safety [by running] a great route," Ward said. "I double moved the cornerback [Tom Knight] and he bit on the first move that I gave him.
"All I was saying [to myself] was 'don't drop the ball because it's an easy touchdown' and easy touchdowns are hard to come by," Ward said.
Maddox also was concerned about blowing an easy play.
"[Ward] had a great move at the line to get away," Maddox said. "I felt like I was missing [another defender] because I did not think that he could get that wide open."