The Ravens clinched a playoff spot however are nonetheless pushing for a division title as they await the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Steelers have gained their final two and are clinging to playoff hopes of their very own. Which group may have the benefit on New Year’s Day?
Ravens passing recreation vs. Steelers go protection
The Ravens have gained three of their final 4 with out Lamar Jackson at quarterback regardless of rating twenty eighth in Football Outsiders’ go DVOA over that span. Tyler Huntley did join with newly signed extensive receiver Sammy Watkins for a 40-yard acquire and with tight finish Mark Andrews for a 36-yard acquire within the Ravens’ 17-9 win over the Falcons final weekend, however he has averaged simply 5.8 yards per try general with one landing go (to extensive receiver Demarcus Robinson in opposition to the Falcons) and two interceptions. He accomplished simply eight of 12 passes for 88 yards within the Ravens’ Week 14 win over the Steelers and left to enter concussion protocol after taking a tough shot within the third quarter. Undrafted rookie Anthony Brown relieved him. The Ravens’ offensive line performed properly in Pittsburgh, however offensive coordinator Greg Roman opted for an influence working assault to seal the victory.
The Steelers have performed glorious protection within the second half of the season, thanks partly to the return of edge rusher T.J. Watt, who missed seven video games due to a pectoral damage. Defensive sort out Cam Heyward (8 1/2 sacks, 18 quarterback hits) gained AFC Defensive Player of the Week after ending with two sacks and three tackles for loss within the Steelers’ Christmas Eve win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Minkah Fitzpatrick (5 interceptions, 10 passes defended) is maybe the league’s prime security. The Steelers rank fifth in blitz fee however simply twenty eighth in pressures per drop-back, so their go rush has not been as fearsome as in previous years. But they haven’t allowed an opposing quarterback to throw for greater than 200 yards since their Week 11 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
EDGE: Steelers
Steelers passing recreation vs. Ravens go protection
Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith knocked rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett out of the Week 14 matchup with a success within the first quarter. The Ravens picked off backup Mitch Trubisky 3 times, reducing brief three drives that crossed into Baltimore territory. Though the Ravens rank fourth within the league with 24 takeaways, they will’t rely on a repeat with Pickett again at quarterback for the Steelers. Though Pickett (6.1 yards per try, 5 landing passes, 9 interceptions) has been removed from good, he has led an above-average go offense over the second half of the season. He’s blessed with a trio of harmful targets in extensive receivers Diontae Johnson (82 catches, 809 yards) and George Pickens (14.9 yards per catch) and tight finish Pat Freiermuth (60 catches, 696 yards). Pickens and Johnson mixed for 9 catches on 11 targets for 160 yards within the earlier matchup with the Ravens. Smith and fellow linebacker Patrick Queen completed with a sack and an interception every in that recreation, whereas security Marcus Williams ranged far for his first interception since getting back from a wrist damage.
The Ravens beat the Falcons with out cornerback Marcus Peters (calf) or defensive finish Calais Campbell (knee), two pillars of their go protection. They may once more be with out each in opposition to Pittsburgh. Brandon Stephens stuffed in for Peters in opposition to Atlanta, and coach John Harbaugh stated he was happy with the second-year cornerback’s efficiency. But the Ravens couldn’t muster a constant go rush in opposition to Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder. They rank fourth in sacks regardless of rating simply twenty fifth in pressures per drop-back, so their go rushers have completed a great job ending off alternatives. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey pressured a fumble in opposition to Atlanta and is headed for his third Pro Bowl.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens working recreation vs. Steelers run protection
The Ravens dominated the Steelers on the bottom in Week 14 with 215 yards on 42 carries. They confirmed how far more harmful they’d be with J.Okay. Dobbins (15 carries, 120 yards) and Gus Edwards (13 carries, 66 yards) reunited within the backfield, and that development has continued over the previous two weeks. Edwards was the star in opposition to the Falcons with 99 yards on 11 carries, together with a number of clutch first-down conversions within the fourth quarter. The Ravens miss Jackson, who’s nonetheless their main rusher, however their floor recreation has labored simply wonderful with Huntley on the controls.
Despite their subpar outing in opposition to the Ravens, the Steelers are second in rush DVOA since Week 9 and have shut down a number of wonderful floor assaults. Heyward is the important thing to their inside protection, whereas linebacker Myles Jack is their prime playmaker within the center. Can the Ravens’ offensive line ship one other overpowering efficiency in opposition to this crew? That query could possibly be the important thing to the sport.
EDGE: Ravens
Steelers working recreation vs. Ravens run protection
The Steelers have run higher than the Ravens within the second half of the season, based on DVOA. But you wouldn’t have recognized it in Week 14, after they managed simply 65 yards on 20 carries in opposition to the league’s hottest run protection. Najee Harris (843 yards, six touchdowns) is Pittsburgh’s workhorse, with Jaylen Warren serving as an efficient counterpoint. Pickett averages 5 yards per carry and can’t be left unattended.
The Ravens suffered by a relative down week in opposition to Atlanta’s prolific working assault, permitting 115 yards on 33 carries. But they’ve smothered opponents since they traded for Smith, who led them with 15 tackles in opposition to the Falcons. Though Campbell’s potential absence can be vital on the inside, defensive tackles Broderick Washington and Justin Madubuike have stepped up of their third seasons.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens particular groups vs. Steelers particular groups
The Ravens rank fourth in particular groups DVOA however simply twenty fourth since Week 9. Opponents have blocked Justin Tucker subject purpose makes an attempt every of the final two weeks. Tucker has made 32 of 38 on the season, with all however one in every of his misses coming from 50 yards or past. Against the Falcons, James Proche II fielded punts and Justice Hill kickoffs rather than injured Pro Bowl choice Devin Duvernay.
The Steelers rank twenty ninth in particular groups DVOA. Veteran kicker Chris Boswell missed two subject purpose makes an attempt of their win over the Raiders and has made simply 15 of twenty-two on the season. Kickoff returner Steven Simms (25.3 yards per return) has been the one actual brilliant spot for Pittsburgh.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens intangibles vs. Steelers intangibles
Harbaugh and his Steelers counterpart, Mike Tomlin, normally discover methods to get their groups within the playoff combine, and we’re seeing extra of the identical this season. The Ravens are in however nonetheless striving for an AFC North title as they watch for Jackson. Players and coaches have spoken optimistically about how a lot room they’ve to enhance earlier than the beginning of the playoffs.
The Steelers have gained 4 of their previous 5 to mount a late playoff push, rebuilding their identification round protection and working after virtually twenty years of Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. They must beat the Ravens to remain alive.
EDGE: Even
Prediction
There’s not a lot separating these groups. We know the sport might be shut. We know will probably be low scoring. The Ravens ran at will in Pittsburgh and picked off Trubisky 3 times. They can’t rely on repeating the identical method in opposition to a rival that’s preventing to remain alive. Steelers 19, Ravens 16
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Source: www.bostonherald.com