Steelers' Former Rival Confident Ravens "Scout Team" Will Absolutely Win Week 18

The Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens rivalry has become arguably the best in pro football over the last 20 or so years. Each team is known for having physical, elite-level defenses along with above-average offenses as well. For a few years now though, the Steelers haven't been the same usual force in the AFC. The team hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Mike Tomlin's unit hasn't won the AFC North since 2020 either when they went 12-4, yet lost on Wild Card weekend.

The Steelers-Ravens rivalry has remained competitive, although at least one of their matchups typically takes place in the final week or two of the season. That's the case again this year, as the two face each other to finish the regular season. In an appearance on the podcast Ravens Talk, former Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton was quick to dismiss his former team's biggest rival ahead of their big Week 18 game.

"I'm sure we're not gonna play quite a bit of guys, but at the end of the day, I still believe with Pittsburgh's offensive situation, we will probably come out with the win still. Even with the backups. It's going going down. [Defensive coordinator] Mike Macdonald gonna have them boys dialed in, and I just believe we develop players really well. We could put our scout team in, and they gonna be in position to make plays."

If the name doesn't sound familiar, Clayton was a former wideout that was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He would play five years for the Ravens from 2005-2009, and he retired with 3,448 career receiving yards. Numbers never lie, Mark. Since 2020, the Steelers are 5-1 against the Ravens. They have beaten them in multiple ways, whether it be against Lamar Jackson or a backup quarterback.

Pittsburgh has taken advantage of Baltimore's injuries in the past, which has led to some lopsided matchups on paper. Whether it be due to injury or rest, Jackson has started just four career games against Pittsburgh. In those four starts, he hasn't exactly been good either. He's 1-3 in those starts and has just four passing touchdowns total in comparison to seven interceptions. 

How Will The Steelers Slow Down Tyler Huntley In Week 18?

Earlier this season, the Steelers upset Jackson and the Ravens in Week 5. It wasn't really Jackson's fault, as his wide receivers dropped several passes throughout the day. Again, this weekend doesn't mean anything for the Ravens. They have the No. 1 seed locked in, hence why Jackson and other stars will be sitting. As a result, the Steelers defense will get to face Tyler Huntley. 

Huntley started four games for the Ravens in both 2021 and 2022, so he's a familiar face. Against the Steelers in 2022, Huntley went 22-for-33 for 218 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. He did rack up 55 rushing yards on the ground as well, which is another concern. Clayton references the state of the Steelers' offense, which is a fair sentiment. 

The last two weeks though have shown a different side to the unit with Mason Rudolph under center for the Steelers. He is the starter in Week 18 again, and the offense will look to keep up that momentum. With the Ravens likely sitting multiple starters on defense, Macdonald will have to have a solid game plan against Rudolph. The comments from Clayton are hilarious in the fact that the Steelers have defeated the Ravens in every which way over the last few years. 

What are your thoughts on these comments from Clayton? How do you think the Steelers offense will perform in Week 18? Why does Pittsburgh defend Jackson and his unique abilities so well? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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