Ravens OC channels his inner T.J. Watt to prepare offense for Steelers clash

Ravens can't afford to fumble this opportunity against the Steelers.

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) celebrates after recovering a Baltimore Ravens fumble during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) celebrates after recovering a Baltimore Ravens fumble during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry is everything AFC North football is supposed to be—physical, gritty, and always too close for comfort. But for Baltimore, it’s become frustratingly one-sided in recent years.

The Ravens have lost eight of their last nine meetings against Pittsburgh, including a brutal 18-16 defeat earlier this season. Worse, most of those losses have been self-inflicted, with turnovers and penalties piling up like snow in a Buffalo winter.

Baltimore has a chance to flip the script on Saturday when they host Pittsburgh in a game that could decide the AFC North. A win ties the two teams at 10-5 and keeps the Ravens' division title hopes alive. But if they can’t clean up their mistakes, it’ll be more of the same heartbreak that’s defined this rivalry for too long.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken knows exactly what’s at stake. In his three games against Pittsburgh since joining Baltimore, the Ravens have coughed up the ball eight times, including seven fumbles. The Steelers, tied for the league lead in turnover margin (+18), don’t need extra help to win games—but Baltimore keeps giving it to them.

Todd Monken makes ball security Ravens' top priority vs. Steelers

At Thursday’s practice, Monken made it clear he wasn’t messing around. After watching his wide receivers approach ball security drills with less intensity than he liked, Monken sprinted across the field to take over. His frustration boiled over as he passionately addressed the unit, reminding them exactly why this drill matters so much.

“I’ve been here for three games, and we’ve turned it over eight times. We’ve fumbled it seven times. If that doesn’t tell you it’s a priority, I don’t know what is,” Monken said afterward.

The Ravens’ Week 11 loss to Pittsburgh was a masterclass in what not to do. Derrick Henry fumbled on the second play of the game, Isaiah Likely lost the ball before halftime, and Lamar Jackson threw a late interception on a great defensive play by Steelers rookie Payton Wilson. Those mistakes gifted Pittsburgh 10 points in a game Baltimore lost by two.

Monken knows the Steelers thrive on turnovers. They’ve forced a league-high 30 takeaways this season, with 15 fumble recoveries and 15 interceptions. And it’s not just about creating turnovers—they capitalize on them, flipping field position and momentum in an instant.

The message this week has been crystal clear: protect the ball at all costs. Monken’s hands-on approach reflects the urgency of the moment. With T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ defense waiting to pounce, the Ravens can’t afford to beat themselves again.

Saturday’s game isn’t just about playoff positioning—it’s about breaking the Steelers' stranglehold on this rivalry. If Baltimore can finally eliminate the costly mistakes, they’ll have a chance to turn the tide and reclaim control in the AFC North.

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