3. Lamar Jackson vs. the Steelers front
It might not be time for the Ravens to hit the panic button, but this is not the ideal time for them to take on an undefeated Steelers team. Last week’s overtime loss to the Titans dropped Baltimore’s record to 6-4. That means Baltimore trails both the Steelers and Browns inside their own division.
It’s still too early to shovel dirt on Lamar Jackson. He’s not playing nearly as well as he did during last year’s MVP campaign, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play a brilliant game at any time. He’ll be desperate to save Baltimore’s season by scoring a crucial victory over Pittsburgh.
The biggest challenge Jackson will face is in his effort to neutralize the Steelers’ disruptive defensive front seven. T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree are nightmares for Baltimore to contend with off the edge. They have the size and speed to keep Jackson hemmed in when he tries to break runs on the perimeter.
The game may be won or lost on the interior though. Cameron Heyward, Tyson Alualu, and Stephon Tuitt will fancy their chances to dominate Baltimore’s patchwork offensive line. If the Ravens can’t get their interior run game going then Jackson will struggle to get things going on the edge. This game should be won or lost in the trenches.