Ravens host Steelers in week 4 clash: 3 big things

3. The offense must stay on schedule:

The number one thing that should play into Marty Mornhinweg’s play-calling is staying on schedule. Joe Flacco doesn’t need long third down throws, that’s not how he’ll regain his confidence. The Jaguars forced the Ravens into uncomfortable 3rd down situations. It didn’t go well. Baltimore must pick up positive yards on 1st and 2nd downs. It sounds simple and obvious, but it may be the key to winning the game.

Mornhinweg needs to commit to running the football. That’s hard to do when the offense keeps getting off the field on third downs. That’s hard to do when you’re living in third and longs all day long. In week 2 against the Browns, the Ravens showed a healthy play-action game. It worked because the commitment to the ground game wasn’t questioned by the Browns. If Flacco gets into a passing spree, this game could get ugly fast. If they allow Flacco to make plays behind a powerful running game, all could be good in this one.

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The Ravens can spark a winning season with a win. They just can’t allow the offense to get in the way. The offense has to stay on the field for chunks of time, more than anything else. The defense can slow down Roethlisberger but eventually he will make plays. We saw this with the battle in Baltimore last year. Pees saw his defense stifle Roethlisberger completely, but the light turned on near the end of the game. The Steelers were an onside kick away from potentially winning it. Baltimore can contain Antionio Brown. They can shut down Le’Veon Bell. They can sack Roethlisberger. Eventually play-makers make plays. Baltimore must have their offense hog the ball and limit the chances for the Steelers.