It is do-or-die this week as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens in the final game of the NFL's regular season. With a victory comes a divisional title, but a loss ends your season. Everything is riding on the Sunday night game this week.
For Pittsburgh, that means they have to stop the potent Baltimore rushing attack.
While this isn’t the same Ravens team as we have grown accustomed to, it doesn’t take away from how this team wins. Their passing game has been variable, but Derrick Henry has been the true workhorse for this offense. Despite his age, he is still a potent offensive threat.
The Steelers' defense has had its fair share of issues stopping the run this year. They gave up 94 yards rushing to Henry himself while allowing 217 total yards on the ground that week. However, this team was missing its secret weapon that week in rookie Derrick Harmon.
Derrick Harmon can be a Ravens killer for the Pittsburgh Steelers
While Harmon hasn’t flashed with impressive sack numbers and his health has been hit or miss as a rookie, the one thing you can’t complain about is his run defense. When on the field, he is a true difference maker.
In the five games he missed this season, teams have averaged 166 yards on the ground (that includes the first Ravens bout). When on the field, teams are mustering only 86 rushing yards per game.
While Harmon himself can’t take the entire credit for that, his impact on the field is being felt. He takes up space and sheds blocks at a high rate for a rookie. This throws off running backs and opens lanes for linebackers.
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This also allows the defensive line to have a deeper rotation. Yahya Black gets to serve as the top backup instead of a starter, and that keeps everyone fresher on the field.
With Lamar Jackson limited by injuries, this game should feature a heavy dose of Henry on the ground. You need Harmon to step up and make his presence felt in this rivalry game.
It couldn’t come at a more crucial time, as the Steelers' season is on the line this week. You need this rookie to step up and make his mark in a major way.
While Harmon alone won’t stop the Ravens' offense, having him healthy could be a killer for Baltimore this week. He has proven to be a potent run defender already, and he could cement his status as a top rookie linemen with another stout game this week.