Ebony Bird
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Three things to watch for as Ravens clash with Steelers

By Ian Schultz

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 29: Running back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes in front of cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 29: Running back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes in front of cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Oct 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) congratulates wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) congratulates wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Pass on running

This is going to sting for many of the readers here but the Ravens most likely path to winning in this contest is to throw a ton.

Because being a great pass rushing defense isn’t enough, the Steelers have decided to boast the NFL’s second fewest rushing yards allowed per game at 66.8. They have also faced Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, Kareem Hunt, and Derrick Henry so you can save the weak competition argument. Also, please stop making that argument to diminish the undefeated Steelers. You beat who is put in front of you and the Ravens haven’t played any real juggernauts besides the Chiefs who embarrassed the purple and black.

The running game might be missing Mark Ingram on Sunday and J.K. Dobbins has flourished in limited reps and Gus Edwards has had his moments. Edwards on the field is a tell for the Steelers defense that we are running and they’re good enough defensively without knowing what the other team is going to run.

Give me a heavy dosage of Dobbins and even Justice Hill catching balls out of the backfield. Problem is the Steelers hold running backs out of the backfield in check as well surrendering 16 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Related Story. Pass protection will be key in Ravens battle with the Steelers. light

The Steelers passing defense sits at 6th allowing 217.5 yards per game. Here’s where the weakness (if they have one) lies. Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, and Deshaun Watson combined for six touchdowns and three picks against the Steelers defense. They also produced 248 passing yards per contest which is still middle of the road defense but not elite.

I know we want to see the running game truly take off. I know it is the strength of this team overall but I see tough sledding against the Steelers front. It is going to be up to Hollywood Brown, Mark Andrews, Willie Snead, Miles Boykin, and for goodness sake please Devin Duvernay to carry this offense. Lamar Jackson and the passing offense need to get on the same page and what better week for that to start.

The Steelers have surrendered 95+ yards receiving and five total touchdowns to Darius Slayton, Randall Cobb, Travis Fulgham, and A.J. Brown on the season. I don’t go out on the limb often, but if the Ravens have a 100+ yard receiver Sunday, they will win.

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