PITTSBURGH -- Former Steelers defensive back and current Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Dwayne Woodruff has his chambers draped with mementos from his 12 year career.

He won a Super Bowl during the 1979 season as a rookie with the Steelers and remained with the team until retiring in 1990.

Having played alongside some of the toughest names in Steelers history -- "Mean" Joe Greene, Jack Lambert and Jack Ham -- Woodruff predicts a physically challenging game when the Steelers and Ravens meet in the AFC Championship at Heinz Field on Sunday.

"It's going to be a tough game offensively for the Steelers. Baltimore is not a team you can just slap around," said Woodruff.

The Steelers boasted the No. 1 defense during the regular season in the NFL.

The Ravens were No. 2.

The Ravens have forced eight turnovers in playoff games against the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans this postseason.

The Steelers created two turnovers against the San Diego Chargers in last Sunday's divisional round of the playoffs.

With the league's top two defenses competing against each other, winning the turnover battle will be crucial to earning a trip to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay.

"The biggest concern is turnovers. If we just don't turn the football over -- don't throw interceptions, don't have fumbles -- I think our defense can keep us close in the ballgame," said Woodruff.

Led by a strong linebacker corps, the Steelers and Ravens also rank among the top two defenses over the past decade.

"I've always been impressed with Baltimore. Being a defensive guy and Baltimore being a defensive team, they have a very good defense -- not as good as the Steelers," said Woodruff.

While many speculate the odds are against the Steelers to beat the Ravens for the third time this season, Woodruff isn't buying it.

"If we don't turn it over, we can score on Baltimore. We have in the past. I think it'll just be a three-peat," said Woodruff.