The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently sitting at 2-2, coming off of what can only be called an embarrassing loss to the Houston Texans in Week 4. Despite that loss, the Steelers still have a chance to sit atop the AFC North if they're able to defeat division rival, the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.
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Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith attempts to bring down Ravens running back Gus Edwards in a heated rivalry matchup
As the team heads into a big Week 5 matchup, there are several storylines that Steeler Nation is paying heavy attention to. A lot of attention is being paid to the team's offense, as Kenny Pickett's status was up in the air for the game after he injured his knee against the Texans. Luckily, he escaped that with a relatively minor injury after many initially feared it to be more significant.
Pickett is expected to play as he was taken off of the injury report, so now that he will be running the offense, all attention turns to how that offense will perform against the Ravens.
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Steelers Kenny Pickett and George Pickens are going to need to be on the same page in Week 5 to get the offense going
Everyone obviously knows how Matt Canada has been heavily criticized for his offensive scheme and play-calling so far in 2023. Most are calling for him to be fired, and there isn't much evidence, if any, available to suggest Canada deserves to keep his job. Regardless of Canada's lack of success as the team's play-caller, the Ravens are still paying plenty of attention to the Steelers' offense ahead of their Week 5 matchup.
When speaking with the media during this past week of practice, Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen made some comments about what they're focusing on when facing the Steelers.
"Any time you're playing a great player like [Najee Harris], you want to try to get after him. Obviously, when he goes, their team goes, and when you shut him down, their team shuts down. The biggest focus is definitely stopping [No.] 22."
No one should be surprised by this comments from Queen, but it does make it clear that opposing teams are not afraid of the Steelers passing attack being led by Pickett and Canada.
This also could point towards other teams being in agreement with Canada's asinine comments about how the Steelers offense 'isn't built to come from behind.' Yes, those comments may have come slightly out of context, but there does appear to be some truth to it.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is heavily on the hot seat ahead of a Week 5 rivalry matchup
When Najee Harris has his best games, the Steelers are usually moving the ball well on offense and putting points up on the board. If Harris isn't able to get going in the early part of games, then the team largely becomes reliant on the arm of Pickett, which hasn't always returned promising results.
Queen also made some very strongly-worded comments about his feeling towards Head Coach, Mike Tomlin and the rivalry, which no doubt will add some fuel to the fire for this matchup. With Queen being very candid with his words this week at practice, we shouldn't be surprised at all if the Steelers attempted to run Harris early and often to try and reinforce that they can do what they want.
If The Steelers Offense Struggles Again, Matt Canada Could Be Headed For The Door
If the Ravens are able to shut down Harris like Queen suggests, then it will likely be a long day yet again for the Steelers offense. The only silver lining would be that another poor outing might lead to Canada's exit as the offensive coordinator and play-caller.
No Steelers fan ever wants to see their team fall to the Ravens, and a win to get to 3-2 while sitting atop the AFC North would put them in great position for the rest of the season. But, would Canada saving his job for at least the rest of the season be worth the lone victory?
Let us know your thoughts on Queen's comments from this week. Do you think the key to stopping the Steelers offense is really as simple as stopping Harris?
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