Ravens vs. Steelers: Pittsburgh looked beatable on MNF
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be 10-2 but they showed some vulnerabilities that the Baltimore Ravens can expose.
The Baltimore Ravens are heading to Pittsburgh in week 13 for a battle with the Steelers. I’m not going to suggest that the Steelers are a bad team. They have 10 wins, and have won seven games in a row. They have a few superstars that give them the chance to win any game. The Steelers however are not a unbeatable team.
The Steelers got down 17-0 against the Bengals. Predictably, they came back to win, but they showed some real weaknesses. Their defense gave up big plays through the air. The Bengals were able to succeed on the ground, especially when getting to the outside. When Ben Roethlisberger can’t find his groove, the Steelers’ offense struggles.
Pittsburgh has had an easy schedule. They’ve beaten the teams they were supposed to beat. Give credit to Mike Tomlin and company but don’t get carried away. The Steelers are good but they’re not unstoppable by any stretch. The Steelers are due for a loss and the Ravens can make that happen.
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If the Ravens won all the games they should have, this game would have huge implications for the playoffs. The purple and black had to find themselves this season. Winning three straight games is a sign that Harbaugh’s team has figured somethings out. Pittsburgh may have won at M&T Bank Stadium, but Baltimore can still get some vengeance at Heinz Field.
Ravens just need to take care of business:
If the Baltimore can play like they did against the Lions, the Steelers are going to get beat. When the Ravens offense contributes even a half decent outing, the Ravens win the game. The Ravens defense knows how to beat Roethlisberger and company. If Matt Judon and Terrell Suggs keep playing at such a high level, the Steelers’ offensive line is in trouble.
Not having Jimmy Smith is a serious blow for the defense. Stopping Antonio Brown is the main objective, an objective that is harder now. Whoever covers Brown, whether it be Marlon Humphrey or Brandon Carr will get help over the top. Baltimore has the goods when it comes to defense. Are they going to shut out the Steelers? Probably not. Can they win the game? Yes they can.
Next: Ravens beat the Lions: The good, bad and the ugly
Look for the Ravens to frustrate Roethlisberger. Big Ben is going to take some hits. Pass rush should help the purple and black handle Pittsburgh’s weapons. Alex Collins should be able to get to the edge and get the running game going. A win is far from an impossibility in this game and it would be huge for the Baltimore.