The 5: Things to watch in Steelers, Ravens divisional battle
The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 2-2 on the 2023 NFL regular season in Week 4 while their AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens took the divisional lead with a 3-1 record. The Ravens are beginning to get healthy while the Steelers have some key injuries that could affect the outcome of this game.
This week, we look at five things Steelers Nation should watch for from their home team as they host the first game in this division battle at Acrisure Stadium.
Jones’ first start as a rookie
Although Dan Moore, the Steelers’ incumbent left tackle, didn’t allow Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, or Nick BosaNick Bosa to record a sack on quarterback Kenny Pickett through three weeks of play, he did allow 19 pressures; he is ranked second-highest among all NFL offensive linemen per PFF in that stat. With injury sidelining Moore, rookie Broderick Jones took over for Moore in Week 4. This week, he’ll get his first NFL start.
“Ready to go… Locking in on what I need to. Just try to perform to the best of my ability.” – Broderick Jones
Jones has had limited snaps in place of Chukwuma Okorafor at right tackle earlier in the season, but got his most playing time against the Texans. He had the look of a rookie early in the game but improved over the course of the 60 minutes. This week will be his first true test as the starting left tackle.
The quarterback situation
When Kenny Pickett was injured and helped to walk off the field in Week 4, Steelers fans started wringing their hands about the season. The good news ahead of this week’s divisional matchup is that Pickett suffered a bone bruise and has stated he’d be ready by Sunday to face the Ravens.
QB Kenny Pickett spoke to the media about the offense, preparing for the Ravens, and more. @edgarsnyder pic.twitter.com/97UzJc13pp
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 4, 2023
Trubisky went in against the Texans and completed 3-of-5 passing attempts for just 18 yards in the loss. Granted, the game was out of reach for the most part.
Former Steelers defensive tackle Chris Hoke stated on the KDKA Steelers Extra Point post-game show, “I think they need to go a little deeper down that depth chart and bring up Mason Rudolph…I still think Mason could arguably be the best quarterback on that roster.”
We shall see what happens, but it’s something for fans to watch for on Sunday.
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Changes on defense
The week’s depth chart came out looking a little differently. Head Coach Mike Tomlin told the media changes would be made, now fans will have to see if it’s anything other than who’s listed as a starter on defense.
Keeanu Benton is listed with DeMarvin Leal as a starting defensive tackle. Leal has been in the concussion protocol this week, and did not practice on Wednesday.
Sunday could be Benton’s first start as a rookie should Leal not be cleared.
The rest of the reported defensive starters are as follows: Montravius Adams (NT), Larry Ogunjobi (DE), T.J. Watt (LOLB), Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts (with Kwon Alexander as the backup at ILB), Alex Highsmith (ROLB), Levi Wallace (RCB), Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS), Keanu Neal (SS, with Damonte Kazee as the second), Patrick Peterson (LCB), Chandon Sullivan and Desmond King (together at nickelback).
Tight end usage
Pittsburgh lost Pat Freiermuth in the Week 4 game to a hamstring injury. The Steelers staff classified him as “very doubtful” for a return against the Ravens. As a result, Rodney Williams was activated to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
Darnell Washington finally got the pass fans of the guy they’ve nicknamed “Mount Washington” wanted to see, and it will be interesting to see how he and Connor Heyward fit into the mix offensively this week.
Coaching and adjustments
Every member of the Steelers organization is under heavy scrutiny after four games that have shown little; even team president Art Rooney. But the heaviest criticism has been towards the coaching staff.
If the standard in Pittsburgh is to win, how the coaches adjust prior to and during this Week 5 game against the Ravens is of major importance.
Baltimore is clicking as a team. That will pressure Pittsburgh’s staff to make key decisions on play calling and personnel if they hope to exit this Sunday’s game with a win and stay close to the top in the AFC North.
