The Steelers offense faced its biggest test to date last week in Philadelphia… and flunked it. They tallied just 163 yards, which was Pittsburgh’s lowest offensive output since Week 2 of the 2010 season. In a low-possession game, quarterback Russell Wilson threw for a season-low 128 yards.
It won’t be any easier today in Baltimore. Consider that last time these teams met on Nov. 17, Pittsburgh failed to score a touchdown, with all 18 points coming off of kicker Chris Boswell’s right foot. Baltimore’s defense sat in a two-high shell most of the game to limit Wilson’s ability to attack deep. That similar formula has helped a Ravens defense that was once susceptible to explosive plays improve significantly over the last month. Over the past four games, the Ravens have allowed the fewest yards per game and the second-fewest passing yards. The challenge is even greater without star receiver George Pickens, who will miss his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury. He tallied season highs in targets (12) and reception (eight) the first meeting against the Steelers’ biggest AFC North rival.
In the passing game, the Steelers will need receivers Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Mike Williams to step up in Pickens absence. They’ll also try to get an inconsistent running game going after a 56-yard performance on the ground against the Eagles.
“We’re like an old pickup truck,” offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said of the rushing attack. “We’ll run pretty dang good the longer you keep the thing in drive. Sometimes it just takes a little while to crank the engine.”
