Brady, as usual, was exceptional, throwing for 207 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions as the Patriots rolled to a 41-27 victory in a game they led 41-20 until the final minute. They went on to win their third Super Bowl, and their second after beating Pittsburgh to get there.

Flacco probably can’t be just any old Joe if the Ravens are to win in Pittsburgh, where they have dropped seven of their last eight. Yet he was exactly that against the Steelers this season, going 27-of-59 for 307 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in two close losses.

For comparison’s sake, Flacco is 257-of-428 for 2,971 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a rookie. Roethlisberger was 196-of-295 for 2,621 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2004.

Flacco couldn’t get the Ravens into the end zone in last month’s 13-9 loss to Pittsburgh in Baltimore, completing only 11 of 28 passes for 115 yards and two interceptions in perhaps his worst game all season.

“That’s what games are going to be in December in the NFL,” Flacco said.

Now he’ll find out what these games are like in January. He hopes the experience isn’t as deflating as it was to Roethlisberger four years ago.

If it is, the Steelers may discover again what it’s like to win a conference championship game on their home field, something they’ve done only once in 29 years.

“I’m going to my fourth championship game,” Ward said. “I’m 0-2 at home. So I want to win this one — I’m tired of losing at home.”

A couple of million Pittsburghers probably feel the same way.

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