2. Antonio Brown makes this game a challenge for Baltimore:
The biggest challenge for the Ravens is that the Steelers have one of the best weapons in the entire NFL. Antonio Brown was the biggest problem for the Ravens in their 39-38 loss to the Steelers last season. Jimmy Smith has been one of the only cornerbacks who has had consistent success slowing down Brown. Smith didn’t play in the game last year and it made a huge impact. Brandon Carr got torched by Brown.
Smith was suspended for the first four games of this season. Smith therefore will be unavailable for the Ravens once again. The key for the Ravens is to slow down Brown. When Brown and Roethlisberger get their connection going, Pittsburgh’s offense can become incredibly potent. Brown is a special player so even when it’s not his best day, he’s going to make plays. The Ravens need to prevent Brown from taking over the game.
If you look at the match up, the Ravens have several advantages. Roethlisberger is a great quarterback, Brown is a great receiver and they can act as the equalizer for the Steelers. The Steelers are going to lean on the Big Ben-Brown connection. The Ravens have to be ready for it, and one way or another it will make this game a challenge.