4 bold predictions for the Steelers vs the Ravens in week 13
By Andrew Falce
Steelers stop Jackson, but still can’t stop the run
The Steelers have been one of the best teams at stopping Lamar Jackson so far. They have an aggressive scheme that essentially dedicates one of their linebackers to constantly be on Jackson. This means on read options no matter if the ball is handed off or kept, a linebacker will stick on Jackson to take him out of the play. This limits his effectiveness as a runner but has typically opened up running lanes for the back.
The difference this year is that the Ravens running back group isn’t anything special. Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray have been the lead backs after being added to the roster late in the process. Freeman has been more successful as of late and has stepped in as the primary back for the Ravens. While the Steelers will be able to stop Jackson this week, I think that opens up Freeman for his best game of the season.
To this point, Freeman has failed to rush for over 80-yards, but I believe that changes this week. With the putrid run defense focused on Jackson, Freeman has the first 100-yard game of the year. Jackson, on the other hand, is held to just 30-yards himself, but it comes at a cost. The run defense has been horrible over the past few weeks, and it doesn’t get better this week, unfortunately.
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The Steelers can’t play much worse than last week, but they will need to be at the top of their game if they hope to win. At this point, this week is a must-win if the team wants to have a shot at going anywhere this year. Keep these bold predictions in mind as the Steelers take on the Ravens this week.