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Steelers vs Ravens: 3 key matchups to watch on Sunday

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms Kenny Young #40 of the Baltimore Ravens as he carries the ball in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms Kenny Young #40 of the Baltimore Ravens as he carries the ball in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a run against the defense of the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a run against the defense of the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Conner & Samuels vs Ravens Run Defense

Despite only netting 66 yards on the ground, the Steelers running backs combined for a total of 36 touches, 208 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The game plan reintroduced to the wildcat offense Le’Veon Bell ran early in his Steelers career with Jaylen Samuels leading the charge.

While the Ravens certainly will be waiting for the wildcat offense, the Steelers offensive line gained confidence in setting the edge and had better execution in these run concepts. They will need to have the same confidence and level of execution against their division rival.

The offense is slowly but surely gaining traction and some identity that will be tested early and often. The Ravens will be looking for blood after allowed 193 yards and four touchdowns on the ground on their home turf last week. Wink Martindale was probably just as sick as he was the week before after that performance.

Even with this horrific performance, they still rank in the top 10 in rushing defense. Maybe it was a bad day? Maybe it was a weakness? Time will tell come Sunday.

Regardless, James Conner and Jaylen Samuels will have to be prepared to play the same role in the pass and run the game like last week. Both saw significant touches in part of the wildcat offense and Mason Rudolph taking what the defense had been giving him.

If they can produce the same level of play or better, the offense will be in good shape in helping their defense by sustaining drives and putting points up.

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