Steelers' AFC North Rival Crumbling On Defensive Side Of The Ball After Devastating Playoff Loss

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their biggest move of the young 2024 offseason on Tuesday when it was reported that former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith would be hired as the team's new offensive coordinator. Dominos should start to fall throughout the coaching staff following the most important piece being addressed in a timely manner. Organizations that failed to make the playoffs got a week's head start over Mike Tomlin and co., but the AFC North Division rival, Baltimore Ravens, are in a little worse shape after a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

After the Ravens' 17-10 loss to the Chiefs, the bad got even worse once it was announced that they would be losing incredible Defensive Coordinator, Mike Macdonald, due to him accepting a job to be the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Baltimore's defense was arguably the league's best throughout 2023 and losing the young mind behind that is a crushing blow, especially since there were only two head coach openings left after the Championship Games.

That's not where the issues for the Ravens stopped, either. It was reported late on Wednesday evening that the franchise would also be losing defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson, as he is moving on to be the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator. He could have been looked at as a top candidate to replace Macdonald, but has decided to go in a completely different direction.

Both of these moves can be looked at as a positive if you are a fan of the Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals or Cleveland Browns. After allowing the fewest amount of yards per offensive play and snagging 18 interceptions, the Ravens' defense will have to adjust with new leaders on that side of the ball. It will be hard to replicate what they had and how they were coached in 2023.

The Ravens don't just have issues with replacing great coaches on the defensive side of the ball. Patrick Queen, Justin Madubuike, Geno Stone, Ronald Darby, Rock Ya-Sin, Arthur Maulet, Jadeveon Clowney and Daryl Worley are all unrestricted free agents come the new league year in March. For those counting at home, that list includes four cornerbacks from a strong secondary coached up by Wilson.

Stone, a safety, had seven interceptions in 2023, which was the second best mark in the NFL. The secondary is going to look vastly different for Baltimore in 2024, but that's not even the most concerning aspect of their offseason that is just beginning. Queen and Madubuike were both elected to the Pro Bowl and are huge difference-makers for the Ravens. Madubuike is likely to receive the franchise tag, but there is no doubt the defense suddenly has more questions rather than answers.

Baltimore does not just have to figure out how to recreate a strong defensive coaching staff, but the unit that dominated so many offenses in 2023 appears to be set to have a little makeover. The Steelers are not necessarily in this position. The offseason will get several guys back to full strength, and their biggest free agents to attempt to bring back are Mason Rudolph and special teams ace, Miles Killebrew.

Steelers Have Some Work To Do Financially In 2024 Offseason

The Ravens are much better off when it comes to cap space as they have over $13.5 million available before any kind of cuts or restructures. Pittsburgh is in a bit of a different place as they currently sit in the negative. There are plenty of ways for General Manager Omar Khan to open up cap space, and fans should expect that to happen so the organization can be aggressive in free agency, something Khan seems to enjoy.

Do you think the Ravens are in for a rough 2024 with so many pieces falling out of place on defense? Let us know in the comments below!

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