Ravens primed for another clash with Steelers in AFC North showdown
The Baltimore Ravens enter their Week 14 home matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers as favorites, boasting a spread of nearly a touchdown. This pivotal divisional battle pits two teams against each other, both eager to secure dominance in the standings. For the two-time reigning AFC North champions, a victory would not only improve their record to 7-6 but also keep their hopes alive for an unprecedented three-peat in the division.
Establishing the Ground Game
One of the keys to success for the Ravens lies in their ability to establish and maintain a strong running game. In their recent defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore averaged an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. Despite this success, they strayed from their ground strategy as the game progressed. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken found himself caught in the trap of chasing points, opting for more passing attempts to close the gap. Ironically, both of the Ravens’ touchdown drives were fueled by a greater number of runs than passes, highlighting the effectiveness of their ground attack.
Now, against a Steelers run defense that recently suffered a humiliating performance at home—allowing a staggering 249 rushing yards to the Buffalo Bills—the Ravens have an opportunity to capitalize. There should be no hesitation in their game plan to run the ball at least 40 times. The Ravens’ five-time Pro Bowl running back, Derrick Henry, should be featured heavily, carrying the ball 20 or more times. Additionally, the dynamic third-year back, Keaton Mitchell, needs to see significant touches to provide a change of pace that stretches Pittsburgh’s defense.
Pittsburgh’s Defensive Challenges
The Ravens have had tremendous success against the Steelers in their recent encounters, dominating two of the last three matchups. This level of performance has prompted Pittsburgh’s front office to re-evaluate their strategies in the offseason, seeking to prevent a repeat of such lopsided results. However, their plans have taken a hit with the absence of first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who will miss this game due to a knee injury. His absence presents another advantage for Baltimore in terms of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Limiting the Steelers’ Offensive Options
For the Ravens, the next step is to make the Steelers’ offense one-dimensional. By effectively stopping the run and forcing Pittsburgh to rely solely on their passing game, Baltimore can dictate the pace of the game. This strategy will not only put pressure on Steelers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett but also allow the Ravens’ defense to capitalize on potential mistakes.
As the teams prepare to face off, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Ravens are not just looking to secure a win; they aim to make a statement in their pursuit of a third consecutive AFC North title. With a solid game plan centered on their running game and a focus on neutralizing the Steelers’ offensive threats, Baltimore is set for a pivotal clash that could shape the future of the division.
