Ebony Bird
FanSided

Top 3 questions facing Ravens and their AFC North foes

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is sacked by outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is sacked by outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass under pressure in the second half during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass under pressure in the second half during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers:

1. Can JuJu Smith-Schuster be a number one wide receiver?

JuJu Smith-Schuster led the Steelers with receptions in the 2018 season. That being said operating with Antonio Brown on the other side makes life easier for any receiver. Smith-Schuster is easily the most preferred target of Ben Roethlisberger going into the 2019 season. The question is not whether or not Smith-Schuster is a stud. We already know he’s a good wide receiver, but is he a number one wide receiver. Brown was an established superstar when Smith-Schuster came into the league. Defensive coordinators knew they couldn’t let Brown take over games. Now that attention goes to Smith-Schuster. If the Steelers offense is going to stay as high octane as it has been, Smith-Schuster has to prove himself.

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2. How big of an impact will Devin Bush make as a rookie linebacker?

The Steelers traded up to draft Devin Bush. We’ve seen AFC North linebackers come in and make a huge impact right away; C.J. Mosley made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season with the Ravens. Bush has that kind of potential for two reasons. First Bush is a freak athlete who adds speed to the second level of the Steelers defense. Secondly, Bush has the ability to fill the void that has been there ever since Ryan Shazier began his incredible path to recovery. The Steelers needed a new leader in the middle of the defense. If this pick pans out they got one. If this pick pans out right away, the Steelers defense could take a big step forward this season. Bush is an x-factor for the Steelers.

3. Can they improve their turnover ratio in 2019?

The turnover ratio was problematic for the Steelers. Roethlisberger had 16 interceptions. His interceptions were costly to the Steelers, especially in the surprise loss to the Denver Broncos last year. Smith-Schuster had the fumble that basically netted Baltimore the division crown. The Steelers produced only eight interceptions on defense and had a turnover ratio of -11. That may be the biggest reason the Steelers missed the postseason in 2018. If the Steelers want to take back the division, they must take care of the football and take it away more from their opponents.

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