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2018 Baltimore Ravens: How do they match up with the Steelers?

By Chris Schisler

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Running back Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Running back Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Ravens offense against the Steelers defense:

The Ravens offense is all about Alex Collins when it comes to beating the Steelers. The Steelers really haven’t filled the Ryan Shazier void in their defense. The Steelers run defense hasn’t been the same since the horrifying spinal injury sustained by Shazier. In the high scoring meeting last year in Pittsburgh, Collins averaged 6.7 yards per carry and had 120 rushing yards. If the Ravens hadn’t gotten off to a slow start and leaned on Collins from start to finish, they very well could have won the game. Collins also had a 50 yard run in his Ravens-Steelers debut. Collins having over 20 carries and over 100 yards is absolutely needed for a Ravens win over Pittsburgh.

The Ravens offense matches up better in the passing game then they did last year, just based on the Ravens talent going into 2018. Michael Crabtree is a dependable receiver, Willie Snead is a good slot weapon and the Ravens new two tight ends are crucial to the game plan. Giving Flacco weapons in the middle of the field will be a nice change of pace, it’s something he hasn’t been able to lean on without Dennis Pitta.

The offense is supposed to be a brand new bag of tricks this season, it is certainly a much different grouping of players. The Ravens were able to score 38 points against the Steelers on the road in 2017. The Steelers defense looked incredibly suspect in the playoffs. If the Ravens remember that Collins is the key to their victory, the offense can thrive against the Steelers.

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