Week 14: Ravens’ Keys To The Game Plus Predictions
In a little more than an hour, the Ravens take on their biggest test of the season, as they travel to Heinz Field to face the arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers. A win and the Ravens’ confidence would escalate through the roof. A loss is not ideal, but it would not be the end of the world, as the Ravens would still hold the last wild card spot. Coming out of a game where the offense gave its best performance of the season, Baltimore will look to continue the improvement of what has been a stagnant offense, against the fourth best defense in the NFL. Here are the keys that need to be followed in order for the Ravens to have success tonight in enemy territory.
Protect The Ball
The offensive performance from the Ravens last week was a beautiful sight, but it came against the 23rd ranked Lions defense. This week will be a much tougher test and will reveal if the offense has began to turn things around. The Steelers hold the leagues fourth best defense, including the second best passing defense. Joe Flacco must be as accurate as possible and communication between the offensive players will need to be consistent. Not only is the secondary solid, but the Steelers also have the second most sacks in the NFL with forty. The Ravens offensive line is as healthy as possible and will need to keep Flacco protected. With the duo of the talented rookie TJ Watt and the ageless James Harrison, the Ravens could be in for a long night if they do not contain them. Giving the high powered Steelers offense extra possessions will not bode well for Baltimore and will make a already tough game, even tougher.
Pressure Big Ben
Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, has had a knack for breaking tackles and extending plays, especially against the Ravens. Covering playmakers such as Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell is hard enough, but allowing Big Ben to escape pressure and look downfield will make it almost impossible. Young stud Matthew Judon is emerging as an elite pass rusher and veteran superstar Terrell Suggs is playing like he is twenty four, infused with young bulls Willie Henry and Tim Williams, getting to Ben and wrapping him up will be key to the Ravens containing this Steelers offense. This is even more important because of the absence of shutdown corner Jimmy Smith, rookie Marlon Humphrey and veteran Brandon Carr will look to hold Antonio Brown under the radar. A solid pass rush is much needed if the Ravens want to make a statement.
Effective Run Game
In the first matchup between these two teams, running back Alex Collins, was just beginning to receive carries. He was not playing at the level he is now, becoming the Ravens’ featured back. Collins has shown he has the talent to run people over or shake them out of their cleats and outrun defenders. Alex has a touchdown in three straight games and will look to keep that streak intact tonight. In the matchup in Baltimore, the Steelers held the Ravens to eighty-two yards rushing, on only fifteen attempts. Since then, the Ravens have improved their rushing attack and have stayed true to increasing the attempts. If Alex Collins can have a big night, that will only help Flacco build off of his best game of the year last week. I think Collins could have a big night and if so, it gives the Ravens a great chance at another offensive explosion and victory.
MSB’s Ravens vs Steelers Predictions:
Myself- Ravens 31, Steelers 20
Sam- Ravens 17, Steelers 14
Nick- Ravens 24, Steelers 21
Jesse- Ravens 24, Steelers 21
Will- Ravens 20, Steelers 19
Andrew- Steelers 28, Ravens 17
Jeremy- Steelers 27, Ravens 20
