Steelers Prepare for Ravens Showdown Amid Aaron Rodgers’ Struggles
The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a pivotal Week 14 clash against the Baltimore Ravens, a matchup that carries significant weight in the AFC North. As anticipation builds, we reached out to Steelers On SI contributor Jack Markowski for insights into the current state of the team and the challenges they face.
Aaron Rodgers’ Recent Decline
Once seen as the beacon of hope for the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers has encountered a series of setbacks recently. Early in the season, he showcased a level of performance that exceeded expectations. However, the past few weeks have seen a noticeable decline in his play. The left wrist injury he sustained during the Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills certainly played a role in his struggles. In that game, he was unable to take any snaps under center, contributing to a disappointing total offensive output of just 166 yards. As the Steelers head to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Ravens, confidence in Rodgers’ ability to rebound in such a hostile environment is wavering.
Offensive and Defensive Disparities
Looking back at the previous season, the Steelers boasted a 10-3 record and were in a favorable position to capture the AFC North title entering Week 15. Yet, even then, the offense was not firing on all cylinders, especially with Russell Wilson at the helm. This season, with Rodgers leading the charge, the offense has shown signs of stagnation, but it is not solely to blame for the team’s ongoing struggles.
A more pressing issue has been the significant regression of the Steelers’ defense. This unit, which was once a reliable force, has allowed an alarming average of 365.1 yards per game, ranking fifth-worst in the league. While they excel in forcing turnovers—ranking second in the NFL with 22 takeaways—their inability to contain opposing offenses is troubling, particularly for a team under the guidance of head coach Mike Tomlin.
Halftime Adjustments and Offensive Lapses
A critical aspect of the Steelers’ challenges this season lies in their performance after halftime. Historically, Pittsburgh has emerged from the locker room flat, raising questions about the coaching staff’s adjustments. In fact, the team has failed to score a single point in the third quarter of four out of their last five games. This lack of offensive production has led to consecutive losses against the Bills and Chicago Bears, despite holding leads at halftime.
Key to Victory Against the Ravens
If the Steelers hope to secure a victory over the Ravens, they will need to effectively neutralize Baltimore’s formidable ground game, which averages 136.8 rushing yards per game—ranking fifth in the league. The recent performance against the Bills, who amassed 249 rushing yards in their matchup, highlights a vulnerability that the Ravens will likely seek to exploit.
Game Prediction
As the Steelers prepare to face their rivals, the outlook isn’t favorable. Given their recent form and the Ravens’ strong showings in their previous encounters, the prediction leans toward a Baltimore victory, potentially by a score of 28-17.
As the countdown to game day continues, both teams are aware that this matchup could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.
