Scouting the Baltimore Ravens ahead of Sunday’s game with the Steelers
This week brings a huge game for the Steelers. They will face off against AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. This is a revenge game for the Steelers as they are looking to even the season series with the Ravens after a 26-14 loss in Week 4.
Things are looking up in Pittsburgh since that loss as the Steelers are now 4-2-1 and are sitting at the top of the AFC North. However, it is important not to get too comfortable as the Ravens will come into this one looking to sweep the Steelers, gain momentum in the AFC North, and get themselves back into the playoff picture.
With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s opponent.
Injury Report
Unfortunately for Baltimore, they are battling multiple key injuries on both sides of the ball. On offense, tackle Ronnie Stanley (Ankle) and running back Alex Collins (Foot) are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Stanley was unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice while Collins was limited.
The Ravens are also suffering injuries with three of their offensive guards. Bradley Bozeman (Calf), Alex Lewis (Neck), and James Hurst (Back) are all listed as questionable and did not participate in practice on Wednesday.
Baltimore is also dealing with some key injuries on defense. Linebackers C.J. Mosley (Thigh) and Tim Williams (Foot) are both listed as questionable and did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. In the secondary, strong safety Tony Jefferson (Hamstring) and corner Marlon Humphrey (Thigh) are both listed as questionable and missed Wednesday’s practice too.
One of the Ravens primary running backs, Alex Collins, was added to the injury report on Thursday as well.
Flacco looks to have another big game
In their Week 4 victory over the Steelers, quarterback Joe Flacco lead the way for the Ravens. He finished that game with 363 yards and two touchdowns. Flacco has had an all around impressive season this year as he ranks 8th in the NFL in passing with 2,259 yards through the air.
His main target this season has been newly-acquired John Brown, who has accounted for 586 receiving yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Brown had a huge game against the Steelers in Week 4 as he finished with 116 yards and a touchdown.
The Ravens are a lot less impressive in the run game. Their leading rusher is Alex Collins, who has accounted for 358 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season. Against the Steelers, Collins only had 42 rushing yards on 11 carries. With that being said, Pittsburgh must force the Ravens to beat them on the ground.
Baltimore’s defense has been outstanding
The story of the Ravens’ season so far has been how well their defense has been playing. They currently have the top ranked defense in the entire NFL. This defense has allowed only 295.8 yards per game and 17.1 points per game this season. Their pass defense is ranked second in the league, allowing only 195.6 yards per game.
Their secondary has veteran leadership at the safeties with Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle. They are joined by two solid corners in Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey. In their last game against the Steelers, they held quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to 274 yards, only one touchdown, and an interception.
Although it isn’t as impressive as their passing defense, the run defense in Baltimore has been impressive as well. They are currently ranked 11th in the NFL allowing 98.1 yards per game. L
inebacker C.J. Mosley has been the face of this Ravens defense as he is tied for the team lead with Jefferson with 34 total tackles, 53 including assists. The Raven’s run defense was outstanding in their Week 4 match up with the Steelers as they held running back James Conner to only 19 yards rushing on 9 carries.
Final thoughts
This game will be another hard-fought battler between two division rivals that have a great amount of hatred for each other on the field. As I mentioned, Pittsburgh is looking for revenge but now they will be on the road in a very tough environment.
However, some of these injuries on defense could come back to hurt the Ravens. If the Steelers want to win this game, they must establish the run and put some points on the board to take some pressure off their defense, especially the secondary. I have the Steelers winning this one by a touchdown but it will come down to the wire and could easily go either way.
