This isn't about the team physician recommending that Ben Roethlisberger sit out the Ravens game; rather, it's the next opponent on the schedule. And friend, the Oakland Raiders are just what the doctor ordered.
Everyone remembers the schedule for last season. The toughest doled out in decades, some said. Fact is, it was the NFL's toughest last season; opponents had a combined record of 153-103 (.598) with half the games against 2007 playoff teams and twelve against teams with .500 or better records the prior season. Yes, it was a real murderer's row of thugs and low-lifes, plus several teams not named the Ravens.
