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.