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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Sep 30, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) reacts on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 26-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) reacts on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 26-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Quick hitters

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger likes to get the ball out quickly to his play-makers. Whether this is to mask a weaker offensive line or not, it is imperative that the Ravens disrupt this quick hitter rhythm that the Steelers offense enjoys getting into.

One way to do this bodes well for the Ravens and that is the ability to quickly collapse the pocket. The interior of the Ravens pass rush has done a nice job collapsing down and getting their hands up to bat down passes throughout the season, especially Calais Campbell who has been an impact player in this regard so far this season.

The Steelers are loaded with weapons on offense. Wide receivers Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, and Diontae Johnson make up one of the league’s deepest groups. Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald are a formidable tight end duo and running backs James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, and Anthony McFarland Jr. are more than competent on the ground.

The Ravens do possess the ability to press at the line of scrimmage more than most teams with their cornerback group. Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, and Jimmy Smith all have the size and physicality to match wits with the Steelers talented pass catchers. My concern lies in all the pick routes the Steelers run that could lead to more linebackers in coverage than the Ravens would be comfortable with.

I think see a Marcus Peters gamble this week, attempting to jump one of the quick routes. Let’s hope he’s right and make a huge game changing play. Either way, the Ravens will need their secondary to have a big day to keep the Steelers offense in check.

The Details: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) at Baltimore Ravens (5-1)

Point Spread: Ravens-4

Over/Under: 46.5

Radio: 98 Rock/WBAL 1090 AM

TV: CBS/WBAL-TV Baltimore

Commentary: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Tony Romo (Analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Next. Ravens and Steelers high in the NFL Power Rankings ahead of big battle. dark

Prediction: I have gone back and forth on this game all week. The Ravens are 10-2 out of the bye under John Harbaugh, however their opponents in those games finished the season a combined 86-106.

The Steelers are really good as I have attempted to drill into people all off-season and regular season so far. But so are the Ravens. The addition of Ngakoue pays dividends late as he comes up a game clinching sack. Or maybe he doesn’t. Just Win Baby! Ravens 24 Steelers 22

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