Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore have a slim chance at best to make the playoffs. Therefore, we’re likely to see—wait for it—a hard-nosed, physical, volatile one-score game this Sunday afternoon.
When playing at home, the Ravens are 13-12 all-time against the Steelers. The all-time score between these two teams in their 55 games played (playoffs included) is Pittsburgh 20.5-Baltimore 19.9. Oh yeah, their fans hate each other as well.
In what may be their last game of the season, the Ravens, obviously, want to avoid going into the offseason with a 6-game losing streak on their shoulders. Here are three ways they can avoid that fate and redeem their crushing Week 13 loss to the Steelers.
Go for it
For many of the recent Ravens games, I’ve suggested they play a bit more conservatively on offense and feature their powerful running game. While I still want them to run often, I believe this is a game where they should take the gloves off and go for it. You cannot play tentative…especially not in this game. So much is on the line here, in terms of legacy. You can be calculated and aggressive at the same time. Only then will you have the best chance to win.
Whether that means going for it on 4th down, running unusual plays or personnel packages, or any other bold strategy, you have to empty the tank, so to speak, when playing the Steelers. Hold nothing back.
Chip Watt
T.J. Watt is the best pass rusher in football. He’s 1 ½ sacks away from setting the all-time single season record. Baltimore is near the very bottom of the NFL in sacks allowed, as they’ve given up a sack on 9.33 percent of their pass attempts this season. It’s very possible Watt breaks the record, and the Ravens still do a good job in pass protection overall.
In a way, complicated schemes could be counterproductive. Will it be worth devoting the necessary significant resources to stop Watt, knowing you may not be able to stop him? Probably not. What the Ravens can do, though, is chip or double team Watt with tight ends, a fullback, or a wide receiver coming in motion.
Whatever happens, they cannot let Watt beat them straight up.
Get everyone involved
As much as they’re able, the Ravens would be well-served to spread the ball around on offense. While Mark Andrews is an elite offensive weapon, the Ravens ought not to focus solely on him. The Ravens may not have a clear-cut option after Andrews, but they can use that as a positive in this game.
Baltimore has many players (Hollywood Brown, Rashod Bateman, Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, Devin Duvernay) that may not be able to dominate a game but can certainly dominate a drive.
Besides, I can’t fathom that Latavius Murray will be held to 1 yard rushing and Rashod Bateman will be held without a catch—like they were in Pittsburgh five weeks ago.
Vegas
The Ravens are, surprisingly, favored by 3 ½ points this week. The point total is set at 42. Whoever wins, expect them to do so by a field goal or less. In my opinion, all the heartache of this season will be redeemed if the Ravens win this game and finish the year the right way.
Prediction: Baltimore 24, Pittsburgh 23
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
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