Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 players to watch vs Ravens

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Jordan Howard
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Jordan Howard /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and here are five players to watch in that game.

Ryan Shazier

The Steelers had a tough time against the run last Sunday against the Bears and that calls into question the Steelers defense. The Steelers defense is predicated on stopping the run and making the quarterback beat you. Ryan Shazier is their key linebacker and the Steelers will look to him for leadership in the run defense department. He also may have to cover Benjamin Watson who is off to a good start this season.

Alejandro Villanueva

Even the non-sports media will be watching Al Villanueva this weekend. He made some waves standing where he could be seen standing for the national anthem. His popularity skyrocketed among some fans as his jersey sales went up. I’ll let you be the judge of what you think of the NFL’s response to the President’s comments.

On the field, Villanueva will be going up against Terrell Suggs and this is a key matchup. Edge rushers going against the left tackle is always a key matchup, but Suggs career success makes him someone the Steelers will need to contain.

David DeCastro

DeCastro has been the Steelers best lineman this year in my opinion. This matchup against the Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce will be a key battle in the interior. I give DeCastro the edge, but DeCastro will have to bring his A-game Sunday.

Antonio Brown

AB has been carrying the Steelers offense thus far and they will look for him to be their leading weapon on Sunday. Despite the Steelers offensive struggles, AB is off to another Pro Bowl season. His matchup against Jimmy Smith will be something to keep your eye on.

Next: Adjustments need to be made before Baltimore

Stephon Tuitt

The Steelers will likely get Stephon Tuitt back this game and it will be interesting to see how he bounces back from his injury. He is a key player along the Steelers defensive line and the hope is that he is healthy enough to make a splash.