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Writers week 4 picks: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

By Christian Brown

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he carries the ball by cornerback Mike Hilton #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he carries the ball by cornerback Mike Hilton #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes against the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes against the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Mason Rudolph’s third career start

Mason Rudolph’s second career start summarized in one word would be precise. The second year quarterback out of Oklahoma State completed 24 of his 28 pass attempts. Rudolph also threw for two touchdowns. Fans should expect the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback to look just as precise against the Baltimore Ravens as well, with the addition of Rudolph taking more shots down the field in this week 5 matchup.

James Conner’s turnaround

James Conner was one reason Mason Rudolph was able to succeed against the Cincinnati Bengals. Conner finished the game with 125 total yards with one receiving touchdown. Not only did the Bengals have to deal with James Conner as a running threat, but as a receiving threat as well. The  Pittsburgh University alumni should be back on track after a disappointing first three games.

Look for Conner to be the spark plug once again this upcoming week. The Cleveland Browns Nick Chubb had a career day against Baltimore’s defense as he ran for 165 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns. On paper, the Steelers have plenty of favorable matchups in this clash with their AFC North rival. However, JuJu Smith-Schuster’s available for Sunday is in doubt. If JuJu does not play, this changes the complexity of the game.

Rookie sensation

Devin Bush has shown the world why the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to pick him with the 10th overall selection in the 2019 NFL draft. The rookie linebacker currently is third in the AFC in total tackles with 37. The even more impressive stat is that the Michigan product leads the NFL in fumble recoveries with 3. Bush has a good nose for the ball and seems to be near it at all times. This Sunday against the Ravens should be no different.

Pittsburgh’s game plan needs to be centered around stopping the Baltimore Ravens ground game and make Lamar Jackson beat them with his arm. I find that Devin Bush should serve as a quarterback spy throughout the game on Sunday, with the hope of minimizing Lamar Jackson’s amount of rushing attempts. The Steelers have a real chance of coming out of week 5 with a win if they can contain Jackson. The Ravens do have a couple of strengths I am worried about.

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