The Ravens need to rebound quickly after a disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-16 last Sunday. They’ll need to refocus as the distractions of Ray Rice’s immediate release have had the nation talking about everything but what will happen on the field tomorrow night.
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I hesitate using the term “must win” to the second game on the schedule but Baltimore must play with some urgency and band together as they welcome another AFC North rival in Pittsburgh.
Let’s take a look at a few of the key match-ups that should impact this prime time contest.
Steelers Running Back Le’Von Bell vs. Ravens Front Seven
There were some questions as to weather Bell would have some of his playing time cut into by his back-mate and driving companion LeGarrette Blount. Bell answered those questions with a fantastic first game rushing for 109 yds. on only 21 carries, and showed versatility out of the backfield catching six balls for 88 yds. through the air. Much of his yardage came after contact so Baltimore will need to lock him up and provide help to bring him to the turf.
Last week the Ravens defense did a decent job containing another dual threat back in Cincy’s Gio Bernard limiting him to 48 yds. on the ground though he was more active on quick screens. It will be important to keep Bell under wraps in order to make the Steeler offense one dimensional.
Steelers Wide Receiver Antonio Brown vs. Ravens Cornerback Jimmy Smith
Brown is Pittsburgh’s top pass catcher and that means Smith will be tasked with stopping him. He had a strong day against Cleveland on only 6 targets racking up 110 yds. and a score. Smith didn’t match up with Pro Bowler A.J. Green nearly as much as I would have hoped but when he did he only had three catches.
Baltimore needs to do their best to take away the explosive Brown and force Ben Roethlisberger to involve younger players such as Markus Wheaton and new slot man Justin Brown. They also shouldn’t forget old hand Heath Miller who works the underneath routes and is famous for find spot spots in the zone.
Steelers Corneback Ike Taylor vs. Ravens Torrey Smith
Over the past few years this has become an interesting match-up where trash talk is often on the menu. Torrey struggled in the season opener and appeared out of sync with Joe Flacco and could only haul in 3 passes on 7 targets. He must continue to refine his route tree and find the gaps in the defense to go beyond being just a fly route player.
However this game looks like a good rebound opportunity for Smith as he’s had big games against Pittsburgh in the past namely the last time these two met in Pittsburgh where Smith burned the opposition for almost 100 yds and a TD.
Steelers Front Seven vs. Ravens Running Backs (Justin Forsett, Bernard Pierce and Lorenzo Taliaferro)
According to Coach John Harbaugh the Ravens will go with the “hot hand” in their running back by committee approach. Forsett would appear to be the starter after a strong effort (11 for 70 yds) and Pierce will need to prove himself after being sent to the bench for fumbling but even before then looked unsure in his season debut. Still don’t count Pierce out he still may end up with the most carries by season’s end.
The Pittsburgh defense was gashed horribly surrendering 183 rushing yards (6.4 avg. per carry) to Cleveland last Sunday. So Gary Kubiak should look to test the Steelers on the ground much more than they did the Bengals as the play calling finished in a tremendously lopsided fashion (62 passes – 17 rushes). In order for play-action to work the rush must be a credible threat.
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.