Sad News About a minute ago Pittsburgh Steelers key player die in a Car Cr….
Throughout this season, the Steelers defense has been plagued by repeated missed assignments and missed communications.
Bunches, stacks and 4×1 formations, especially, have been an issue. Perhaps no team did a better job of exposing these warts than the Ravens.
It helps Pittsburgh’s cause that they should be closer to full strength after finishing the last matchup against Baltimore without four defensive starters — corners Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and safety DeShon Elliott.
The biggest boost comes from Elliott.
Not only should he provide a physical force in run defense but also will often be matched up against the Ravens’ talented tight ends.
Time will tell if the return of Elliott and others help the Steelers defense play a cleaner game, communicate better and minimize the impact of the tight ends.
Lamar Jackson has turned the ball over 12 times (nine interceptions, three fumbles) in six career starts against Pittsburgh.
Thus, the Ravens are only 2-4 in those games.
The Steelers’ recent dominance in the rivalry before the Ravens beat them three weeks ago was fueled by Baltimore consistently losing the turnover battle and being the oft-penalized team.
When the Ravens beat the Steelers 34-17 on Dec. 21, the two biggest plays of the game were arguably Russell Wilson turnovers.
his fumble inside the Baltimore 5-yard line and his interception that Marlon Humphrey returned for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
If the Steelers are going to win today, they’ll likely need some help from the Ravens.
John Harbaugh’s team can’t give it to them.
