Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Interview with Steeler Maven

Match-ups galore

4. Marlon Humphrey’s play in 2019 has been All-Pro worthy, while JuJu Smith-Schuster has looked like a third-tier wide receiver (with no offense). What does JJSS have to do to win the match-up against Humphrey?

"I’ll start by saying the criticisms of JuJu Smith-Schuster are somewhat warranted. Here’s a guy who posted all over social media saying he’s ready to be the number one guy in Pittsburgh, yet the numbers have still been pedestrian. A big part of that is Rudolph and the lack of chemistry. You can take a gander at the film from last week and watch two of Smith-Schuster’s targets sail over his head on what looks like a misunderstanding from Rudolph. Back to the lecture at hand though (shout out to Snoop Dogg), Smith-Schuster’s best bet is to beat Humphrey deep by utilizing his frame. Not to disrespect him in anyway, but he’s simply not the shifty receiver Brown was when coming in and out of breaks while running routes. Line him up in the slot and let him work."

Marlon Humphrey has been elite in 2019. There’s absolutely no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Against JuJu Smith-Schuster, despite a bad start to his 2019 campaign, Humphrey has himself a fun assignment. JJSS is shifty and creative after the catch, so it’ll be up to Humphrey to slow him down and keep him in check.

He may not be Antonio Brown, but he’s still a Pro Bowl caliber receiver.

5. Highlight some of the key match-ups you envision for this game

"While many will be watching the Smith-Schuster/Humphrey match-up, my eyes will be focused on Diontae Johnson/Brandon Carr. If Johnson is able to wreck havoc and find the end zone for a third straight game, the Steelers offense would tremendously benefit from his contributions. On the defensive side, I’m watching the athletic chess match between Lamar Jackson and Devin Bush. Those two are undoubtedly the most athletic guys on the field, and it will be fun to see if Bush is able to contain Jackson."

I’m looking forward to seeing how Lamar Jackson handles this Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush and if he can get the best of stud linebacker Devin Bush. The two could be highlighting this rivalry for the next ten years, so their first match against each other could be very telling.

Outside of this, Brandon Carr will be tasked with slowing down a speedy threat in rookie Diontae Johnson. Johnson is a work in progress, but there’s no denying that he can make a veteran in Carr pay for any missteps he may have.