5 Things The Ravens Must Do To Beat The Steelers

Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) intercepts Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) (not pictured) pass intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) intercepts Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) (not pictured) pass intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) intercepts the ball in front of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) intercepts the ball in front of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jimmy Smith Has To Slow Down Antonio Brown

The Ravens secondary is capable when Jimmy Smith is on the field. When number twenty-two leaves, that’s when things get shaky. Just ask the New York Giants. When Smith was in the game, Odell Beckham did nothing. When Smith left the game with a concussion big plays to Beckham killed the Ravens. Smith is as valuable as any Ravens player and it showed in that game.

Antonio Brown is the best receiver in the NFL. He is making the wide receiver position look easy right now. He has 48 receptions. The next leading receiver for the Steelers is Le’Veon Bell with 30 receptions. That’s right, it’s Brown and everyone else with the Steelers offense. If Baltimore can take Brown away, they can limit the offense of the Steelers.

The Ravens have only one way to stop Antonio Brown without opening things up for other players. Smith has to step up and take it to Brown. The Steelers have other players that can do damage. The Ravens have to tell Pittsburgh to beat them with one of their complementary receivers. Smith must shut down Brown.