Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers week 17: Sit down with Steeler Maven
Highlighting the Pittsburgh defense:
3. It’s no secret that the Steelers defense is loaded. The team possesses two legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidates in T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick to go along with so many other studs. Will this unit stifle the Ravens backups and keep the game low-scoring?
"“That’s the one bright spot of Pittsburgh, their ability to keep games low-scoring and winnable, even with a stagnant offense such as theirs. Last time the Ravens hung 26 on this defense, and they weren’t pleased. This time around I do believe it will be more low-scoring, and it certainly helps Jackson/Ingram/Yanda aren’t participating. I don’t want to say they will “stifle” them, but for obvious reasons my confidence levels in this group limiting Baltimore is higher than the first game. I will say though, having Griffin and Edwards as a back-up QB/RB tandem isn’t exactly relieving either. I do think highly of both from what I’ve seen.”"
I’m excited to see how the Baltimore Ravens reserves on offense can run against such a good defense. Pittsburgh’s defense is the real deal, so seeing Baltimore’s gameplan without MVP front-runner Lamar Jackson remains must-see football for me.
Must Read. Baltimore Ravens could close a near-perfect Act III of 2019 season. light
4. A little off-topic from the game, but do you think Devin Bush should be a front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year award?
"“He certainly should be up there, right? I understand the love for the pass-rushers, as Josh Allen and Nick Bosa are doing a tremendous job in their own respects. Bush has been superb in his rookie year, but the hype train has certainly slowed down for him since his numbers began to slightly decline. For whatever reason, defensive coordinator Keith Butler loves to rotate Bush with Mark Barron and Vince Williams, effectively limiting Bush’s time on the field. Also, teams have begun attacking him on the passing attack, where he has certainly struggled early on. All things considered, Bush undoubtedly deserves the praise and recognition. He’s got so much potential. However, in terms of being a front-runner for DROTY, I think I would have to hand those honors to Nick Bosa right now.”"
The league loves sacks, which Nick Bosa has. They also love his last name thanks to his brother, Joey. While I believe that Bush is deserving of the hardware, it’s tough to see anyone not named Nick Bosa win DROY.