Let's not get too up or too down about Sunday's squeaky Ravens victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The first half was awful and the second half was fairly impressive, under the circumstances, but none of it applies to Sunday's game against the rival Steelers.

The one thing that's really disconcerting is that the Ravens' offensive struggles of last Monday night carried right through two more quarters yesterday. Not because it reflects a poor offensive scheme, but because the club's halftime epiphany -- articulated by just about everyone after the game -- was necessary after what happened against the Jaguars.

That's why I cling to the belief that the issue is more a matter of mental preparation on the offensive side of the ball, even if everyone at The Castle scoffs at the notion. And that's why I think you'll see a much different team in the Steelers game, which contains no aspect that would allow anyone to let down or lose focus in any way.

The Steelers may win the game, but I'm guessing you'll see a Ravens offense that knows exactly what it wants to do and executes better than it has the past two weeks, even though it will be facing one of the best defensive units in the league.

Sound crazy? Welcome to the NFL.