Heading into Sunday's season finale at Heinz Field, it sounds as though Ravens coach Brian Billick, with a background in public relations, is doing some for the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense.

Billick used the word "nobody" four times in the span of 15 seconds yesterday to emphasize the number of teams that have had success running on the Steelers. Either Billick is attempting a reverse psychological challenge to the Ravens or expressing an unusual amount of respect for an opponent's strength.

"You're not just going to run against them; nobody has," Billick said. "You are going to have to make plays downfield on the outside, which should open it up for the running game. But they are the No. 1-rated run defense, and they are that way for a reason because nobody, nobody, nobody has been able to run on them."

Ravens running back Jamal Lewis begs to differ.

"I'm going to run on Pittsburgh," Lewis said.

"If I get 25 carries, I'm going to have 100 yards and a W."

Those are big words coming from Lewis considering he was held to a season-low 34 yards the first time the teams met (Oct. 27).

"Last time, we didn't run the ball that many times against them," Lewis said. "I don't think we established a rhythm last time running the ball on them, but they can be run on.

"There's nobody that we can't run the ball against. If we go out, throw it around and don't establish a balanced offense, then it's going to be a long day."

Lewis is right in saying Pittsburgh can be run on. Though the Steelers have the No. 1 run defense in the NFL, three running backs have rushed for more than 100 yards against them (including Jamel White's 105, Deuce McAllister's 123 and Warrick Dunn's 129).

Just how does a team have success running on Pittsburgh? "Advisedly," Billick said. "They are very good at it, built for it. So if you don't make plays outside down the field, you are going to have a long day."

Hobbled Maddox improves

Despite the Steelers having won the AFC North, coach Bill Cowher may still start banged-up quarterback Tommy Maddox against the Ravens.

Maddox sprained his ankle in Pittsburgh's Monday night win over Tampa Bay and is questionable for Sunday's game.

"I think he's feeling much better," Cowher said. "There is a chance that he might be upgraded by the end of the week."

Gash can still mash

For at least a couple of offensive series, it felt like old times for fullback Sam Gash. Gash briefly replaced starter Alan Ricard in the second quarter Sunday against Cleveland and received his most work with the base offense this season, paving the way for Lewis.

Gash, 33, was a starter the previous two seasons with the Ravens but was brought back a week before the start of the regular season specifically as a backup.

"It's always good any time I can get a little playing time," said Gash, who played about 10 snaps. "I knew what the deal was when I came in this year, so for me to complain about any of it is a moot point. Alan has come in and had a great year, and I'm glad that he has.

"I just want people to know that I can still play. This was like a redshirt year for me. Physically, I feel great, so to get in there and get some time, that's a good thing. I love the game and still feel I have four or five good years left in me, especially after taking this year off."

A to Z: Amos Zereoue

For the most part, the Ravens contained backup Steelers running back Amos Zereoue in the teams' first meeting.

Zereoue, who likely will replace starter Jerome Bettis (knee, questionable) Sunday, had 13 carries for 53 yards against the Ravens, with 35 coming on an impressive first-quarter touchdown run.

"He's got a lot of speed and is hard to stop," linebacker Peter Boulware said. "If you are out of place one time, he's going to break you for a big one."

Extra points

The Ravens upgraded Gash (leg) from questionable to probable. All players practiced yesterday. ... End Michael McCrary made one of his final appearances in the Ravens' locker room, commenting on his sendoff at Sunday's home game. "It was great seeing all the fans jump up and applaud me," Mc- Crary said. ... Cowher said he expects the newly re-sod turf at Heinz Field to be in good shape.