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Baltimore Ravens: Building A Defense To Stop The Steelers

By Chris Schisler

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Timmy Jernigan (99) celebrates after tackling Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Timmy Jernigan (99) celebrates after tackling Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) against Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams (98) during the third quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) against Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams (98) during the third quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Stopping The Run:

The first key to halting the Steelers offense is stopping the run. If you wonder why the Ravens made Brandon Williams the highest paid nose guard in the league, this is the exact reason. The Ravens defensive line should be dominant. Timmy Jernigan is a rising star at the defensive end position. Bronson Kaufusi will make his debut with the Ravens after being hurt in his rookie year. Kaufusi could make a huge impact going forward. Guys like Michael Pierce, Brent Urban and Carl Davis will keep the defensive line fresh throughout the game.

Judon And Correa Could Fill Holes:

There are only two questions in the Ravens front seven. First, who is going to fill in for Zach Orr? Secondly, who is going to set the edge opposite of Terrell Suggs? The answers to both questions could be on the roster. Kamalei Correa was the Ravens second round draft pick in 2016. He backed up Zach Orr last season. Orr was a dominant linebacker and it’s a shame that injury forced his retirement. Correa has the talent to fill his shoes. One thing I have always liked about Correa is his high motor; he is aggressive.

Matt Judon could end up as the other outside linebacker. Judon is a thick 6’3″ 275 pound player with great athletic ability. I truly believe that with Judon it’s not a question of will, but rather a question of when he will become a star. Hopefully, Judon can take the next step and become a full time starter on the defense. The Ravens will likely draft an outside linebacker as well.

Even with these questions, the Ravens front seven looks poised to be dominant. Suggs, Williams, Jernigan and C.J. Mosley are defensive superstars. Stopping Bell is their number one concern twice per season.

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