Steelers vs. Ravens: 3 matchups to watch in week 5

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets wrapped up by Dre Kirkpatrick #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Ravens defensive backs

I haven’t exactly been thrilled with JuJu Smith-Schuster’s performance a quarter of the way through his third NFL season. While his lack of production certainly isn’t all his fault, his play has taken a dip.

JuJu has struggled to separate from defensive backs in the early going. He has caught just 17 of 27 targets and is 63 percent catch rate is 10 percent worse than it was during his rookie season. Smith-Schuster has only 258 receiving yards through 4 games – 76 of those coming on one catch.

The former Pro Bowl receiver needs to be able to do more damage, and the Steelers have been moving him all over in an effort to get him involved. Ravens’ cornerbacks haven’t been particularly good this season. Just last week, they were torched for 342 passing yards on 30 attempts by Baker Mayfield.

I understand that all of the offensive woes certainly don’t fall on JuJu’s shoulders, but if he wants to prove he is a legitimate number one receiver, he needs to start being more consistent. A big game against the Ravens would be a nice start.

Next. . dark

The Steelers can ill afford to drop to 1-4 on the season, and defeating Baltimore will be vital to keeping their playoff aspirations alive. If Pittsburgh can win these three matchups, they will control the game on Sunday.