Steelers vs. Ravens: 3 matchups to watch in week 5
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday for Pittsburgh’s second consecutive home game. Here are three key matchups to keep an eye on.
Steelers fans hit an emotional high on the season after a dominant performance over the Cincinnati Bengals last week. Though there is a lot to be excited about moving forward with this team, it’s important to remember that that was still Pittsburgh’s first win of the season.
Things get much trickier this weekend as the Steelers look to take on the Ravens at Heinz Field. Baltimore won its first two contests of 2019 but has since then lost steam – dropping back-to-back games against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers have their work cut out for them as John Harbaugh’s team looks to avoid its third consecutive loss of the season. Here are three key matchups to keep an eye on as Pittsburgh looks to close the gap in the AFC North:
Steelers rush defense vs. Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram
Even with a thoroughly impressive showing against the Bengals last Monday, the Steelers are still just 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed – surrendering 122.8 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses.
Their performance against the Bengals was a pleasant change of pace compared to what we saw in the first three weeks of the season, but this will be Pittburgh’s biggest test yet. Baltimore is the number one rushing team in the league – averaging an astonishingly high 205.8 rushing yards per game.
Meanwhile, Mark Ingram and Lamar Jackson are each averaging at least 6.0 yards per carry on the season. Linebackers Mark Barron and rookie Devin Bush will be plagued with the difficult task of keeping Baltimore’s run game contained. If the Steelers can do this, they stand a very good chance at coming away victorious.