Steelers vs. Ravens divisional showdown showcases 5 drama-filled matchups

The Steelers host the Ravens in a classic AFC North showdown this weekend. Both teams are fiercely competing for the top spot in their division, with tough schedules looming ahead. As the Pittsburgh squad prepares for this intense matchup, here are 5 exciting and dramatic showdowns to watch closely. 

Patrick Queen vs. his former team: Baltimore Ravens 

Patrick Queen must have marked the date of his first meeting with the Baltimore Ravens since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in the off-season. The rivalry is intensified by the bad blood between Queen and the Ravens, setting the stage for an exciting clash. Steelers fans should be ready to witness the veteran linebacker make a significant impact in this crucial divisional battle against Lamar Jackson.

Queen is determined to shut down QB Lamar Jackson’s running threat against opposing teams. With a deep understanding of how dangerous Jackson can be in the open field, Queen is prepared to step up. Currently, he ranks second on the team with 62 total tackles per ESPN, showcasing his impact and skill. Steelers fans are buzzing with anticipation, hoping Queen’s performance will be memorable and propel the Pittsburgh squad to a vital victory. This game promises to be a thrilling showdown, and Queen has the chance to be the hero Pittsburgh needs. 

Controlling King Derrick Henry vs. Steelers Defense 

The Steelers know all too well the formidable running prowess of Derrick Henry. In their 2023 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, they successfully contained him to just 75 rushing yards, but this time presents a different challenge. With Henry now on a new team and demonstrating dual-threat capabilities in the passing game, the Steelers’ defense will have their work cut out for them. Facing “King Henry” again will test their strategies and resolve like never before. 

 T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig will be responsible for containing the versatile Henry, especially since Alex Highsmith is out this weekend. It is crucial to prevent Henry from finding his rhythm early in the game, as this would force the Ravens to rely on their passing game more than they would prefer. To keep note, Henry averages 6.1 yards per carry this season per ESPN, his highest average ever in his NFL career.

Russell Wilson vs. divisional rivalry Ravens 

Steelers QB Russell Wilson is set to experience one of the best rivalries in football this weekend. There is immense pressure on Wilson, as the Steelers have had the upper hand over the Ravens in their recent matchups. Historically, these two teams often have one or two game-changing plays to secure the W. In fact, the last time the final score differed by more than seven points was back in December 2019. 

The advantage for Wilson is that if given enough time, he could exploit the Ravens’ secondary, which currently ranks last in the league against the pass. With veteran safety Kyle Hamilton listed as questionable for this weekend, Wilson may have the opportunity to take advantage of a weakened and vulnerable Ravens secondary. Additionally, with George Pickens on one side and Mike Williams on the other, Wilson can further challenge the Ravens’ defensive schemes.

Three-headed Steelers RB room vs. Ravens defensive line

RB’s Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson are set to face the top-ranked run defense of the Ravens this weekend. Although these powerful runners have significantly contributed to achieving balance in the run-pass game, the Steelers’ ground game may experience challenges. This could lead to Russell Wilson needing to throw the ball more than usual. Further concerns loom as RB Jaylen Warren currently posts a questionable status for this matchup with a back injury.

The tandem of Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson is capturing the attention of the Steelers offense, as they could potentially hinder the run game from gaining substantial yardage. Smith currently leads his Ravens defense with 97 tackles this season. 

Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman deep threats vs. Steelers Secondary

Lamar Jackson’s primary deep-threat target remains Zay Flowers, who is among the top receivers in the league for yards after the catch. Flowers will look to exploit a Steelers secondary that has been plagued by penalties this season. Joey Porter Jr. will likely be assigned the critical task of shadowing Flowers to thwart any major chunk plays.

For Porter, the challenge will be not just to contain Flowers but also to manage penalties in this high-stakes divisional clash. Meanwhile, even with a hamstring injury, Donte Jackson is expected to step in and cover Flowers during the plays when JPJ isn’t. 

Another deep threat to keep an eye on is Rashod Bateman. Bateman has risen to the position of WR2 on the Ravens wide receiver chart. Expect Bateman to lead the Ravens in receiving yards for this game, as the Steelers usually focus on shutting down the top WR on opposing teams. 

Bonus: Mike Tomlin vs. Diontae Johnson

A compelling matchup to watch is Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin facing off against former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson. While Mike T may seem to downplay any concerns about Johnson, who was a standout WR1 for the Steelers for several seasons, there undoubtedly remains some lingering animosity and determination within the team.

Their departure from each other wasn’t amicable, and with Johnson now back under the spotlight, it’s highly likely he’ll be targeted heavily during the game. This could be a defining moment to show what both sides are capable of.