Five things to be worried about in the Steelers vs. Ravens Wild-Card game

With the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Wild-Card game against the Baltimore Ravens drawing near, supporters are wondering if the Black and Gold can finally win the playoffs for the first time in almost 3,000 days. Sadly, there is little chance that the Steelers, led by Mike Tomlin, will make this a reality. These are Pittsburgh’s top five worries before their Wild-Card playoff matchup with the Ravens.

Since running wild with 162 rushing yards and two TDs against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, Ravens RB Derrick Henry has been virtually unstoppable. Henry will likely garner all the defensive emphasis, putting his explosive teammates in advantageous positions.

Ravens TE Mark Andrews had no touchdowns prior to Week 5, but he has since scored 11 touchdowns, including one per game since November 25. Andrews is a persistent threat that the Steelers must contain in the red zone.

Russell Wilson, aka ‘Mr. Unlimited’, has been anything but his alter ego since conquering the Bengals back in Week 13. Wilson has failed to throw for over 220 yards in five straight contests, and the team may be forced to make a QB switch during the Wild-Card matchup—once it’s too late.

Setting aside George Pickens’ shenanigans with media and on-field immaturity, the Steelers wide receiver performed poorly in Week 18’s loss to the Bengals. Pickens compounded his poor performance by engaging in verbal spats with Steelers fans in attendance, demonstrating zero humility.

Although Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has previously struggled against the Steelers, he overcame those concerns in Week 16. Jackson’s dominance in Baltimore’s Ravens Stadium indicated that the Steelers’ defense is unlikely to pose a serious threat to him.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, two of the most storied franchises in the NFL, are set to square off in a high-stakes AFC Wild-Card matchup. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs during the regular season, but when it comes to the postseason, anything can happen. These divisional rivals have faced each other countless times, but with the pressure of the playoffs ramping up, there are several key concerns that could tilt the balance of the game. Let’s explore five critical factors that should be on the minds of both Steelers and Ravens fans heading into this game.

1. Quarterback Play and Consistency

Perhaps the most glaring concern for both teams lies in the quarterback position. The Steelers are led by Kenny Pickett, a rookie quarterback who has shown flashes of potential but still remains an enigma. In a playoff setting, the pressure on a first-year quarterback can be overwhelming, and he will need to rise to the occasion. While Pickett has shown the ability to make clutch throws in critical moments, his overall consistency has been a concern throughout the season. Can he maintain his poise in the postseason when every mistake is amplified?

For the Ravens, the quarterback situation is a bit more complex. Lamar Jackson is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, capable of changing the game with his legs and arm. However, Jackson’s durability has been a question mark in recent years, and his health heading into the game will be a major worry. If Jackson is playing with an injury or is forced to leave the game at any point, the Ravens would be forced to rely on backup Tyler Huntley, who lacks Jackson’s game-changing abilities. The Ravens’ offense is built around Jackson’s unique skill set, and any compromise to that dynamic could have serious consequences.

2. Turnovers and Ball Security

Turnovers have the potential to be a game-changer in any playoff matchup, and both teams are vulnerable to making costly mistakes. The Steelers, despite their strong defense, have had issues with turnovers this season, particularly on offense. While Pickett has been relatively conservative with the ball, he is still prone to making rookie mistakes, especially in high-pressure situations. Against a Ravens defense that thrives on creating turnovers, such mistakes could quickly turn the tide in favor of Baltimore.

On the other hand, the Ravens are not immune to turnover issues either. Lamar Jackson, despite his many strengths, has had struggles with ball security at times. His propensity for trying to do too much can lead to risky decisions, particularly when facing a defense as aggressive and opportunistic as the Steelers’. Turnovers in the postseason are particularly costly, and either team’s ability to avoid giving the ball away could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.

3. Defensive Matchups and Injuries

Both teams are known for their stout defenses, but injuries could play a huge role in how each defense performs. The Steelers boast a formidable pass rush, led by edge rusher T.J. Watt, who has the ability to disrupt any quarterback. However, Watt’s health and effectiveness will be critical. If Watt is playing at full strength, he can single-handedly take over a game. But if he is dealing with lingering injuries or is neutralized by Baltimore’s offensive line, the Steelers’ defense could lose some of its sting.

Similarly, the Ravens have a tough and disciplined defense led by linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive back Marlon Humphrey. The key to their success in this game will be containing the Steelers’ run game and forcing Pickett to make difficult throws under pressure. If the Ravens’ defense can generate a consistent pass rush and disrupt Pickett’s rhythm, it could lead to multiple turnovers or stalled drives.

Injuries on either side could also play a significant role. The Ravens’ secondary has been banged up throughout the season, and the Steelers’ defensive front has had its fair share of injury concerns as well. If key players like Watt or Humphrey are limited or unavailable, it would impact both teams’ ability to execute their defensive game plans. The chess match between the quarterbacks and the defensive units will be critical, and any injury to a star defender could tilt the game in favor of the opposing team.

4. Running Game and Offensive Line Play

In a playoff game, establishing the run is often a crucial element for success, especially when facing tough defenses like those of the Steelers and Ravens. The Steelers’ running game has been inconsistent at best this season, and a large part of that can be attributed to their offensive line’s struggles. Najee Harris, a former first-round pick, has been a workhorse for Pittsburgh, but he has often been met with little room to operate behind an offensive line that has had difficulty creating running lanes. Against the Ravens’ front seven, which is known for its physicality and stoutness against the run, the Steelers will need to find a way to generate some success on the ground. If they can’t, they will be forced to rely more heavily on Pickett, which could put even more pressure on him in the postseason.

For the Ravens, the running game has always been a cornerstone of their offense, thanks in large part to Jackson’s dual-threat ability. When Jackson is healthy, he makes Baltimore’s running game nearly unstoppable, but the Ravens will need to have a balanced attack. If the Ravens can establish their run early and control the clock, it will put the Steelers’ defense on its heels. However, the Ravens’ offensive line has not been perfect this year, and if they are unable to win the battle up front, Jackson could find himself under pressure, potentially leading to negative plays or turnovers.

The battle in the trenches, with both teams trying to establish the run and protect their respective quarterbacks, could ultimately decide the game. Both offensive lines have been inconsistent, and if either team fails to win this battle, it will be difficult to sustain drives and put points on the board.

5. Special Teams and Field Position

While often overlooked, special teams play could be a deciding factor in such a closely contested rivalry game. Both teams have had their moments of brilliance and breakdowns on special teams, and in a playoff game where field position and scoring opportunities are at a premium, any mistake or big play on special teams could prove costly.

For the Steelers, they have one of the more reliable kickers in Chris Boswell, but the kicking game as a whole has been erratic at times this season. Punts and kickoffs can significantly impact the starting field position, and in a tightly contested game, a bad punt or a return allowed deep into Pittsburgh’s territory could give Baltimore a short field and a potential touchdown.

The Ravens, too, have had their special teams concerns, particularly in the return game. If either team can flip the field with a big return or make a key stop on a return, it could provide an advantage. Moreover, in a close playoff game, the ability to capitalize on opportunities in the kicking game—whether it’s making a clutch field goal or avoiding costly penalties—could be the difference between advancing or going home.