Steelers Get Bad News Regarding AFC North Rival Baltimore Ravens' Potential Offensive Firepower In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers are arguably in the league's toughest division in 2024. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all boast impressive rosters and Head Coach Mike Tomlin can say the same about his squad. The most difficult part in the Steel City is accepting the fact that all six divisional matchups will come in the final eight weeks of the regular season. This will pose a significant challenge as the hard-fought battles of the AFC North will be extremely tiring no matter how they line up. Unfortunately, Tomlin and co. got a tough draw.

On paper, the scariest team is likely the Ravens. Lamar Jackson won his second MVP Award in 2023 and the organization added All-Pro running back Derrick Henry to the mix offensively. The thought of game-planning for both Jackson and Henry will leave defenders up at night. Baltimore also has Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman as weapons in the passing game.

Likely recently said that the offense was going to be special in 2024. Not too long before, Andrews spoke with the media and Jamison Hensley, who covers the team for ESPN, and was glowing with rave reviews about Bateman. He hasn't had a very productive start to his career. Since being drafted in the first round back in 2021, his career-high in receiving yards is just 515. Andrews is confident that will change moving forward.

“I think he looks incredible. Everything -- his route running, catching the ball, being where he’s supposed to be -- he has it down to a science. I know he’s worked really hard, but he looks about as put together as he’s ever been. So, it’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now," Andrews said via Hensley.

Add another potential threat to the list and Baltimore becomes an even scarier opponent. While the Steelers have always held Jackson in check, adding Henry to the equation with a new and improved Bateman could lead to more headaches for Tomlin and the defense. After a 13-win season, the Ravens are looking to build on incredible offensive firepower even more.

Dating back to 2020, the Steelers have a record of 7-1 against the Ravens. Many other teams throughout the league have had a tough time going up against Baltimore during this timeframe, but Tomlin seems to have John Harbaugh's number as of late. Pittsburgh has only captured one AFC North title since 2020, but a key factor in being able to do so in 2024 will be defeating the Ravens.

Fans in the Steel City haven't been treated to good offensive play in recent years. Matt Canada was in charge for the majority of the last three seasons and it has seemed like the team was lightyears away from putting an offense out on the field that could be better than really any division rivals. With Arthur Smith now leading the way, the hope is that the franchise can put together a respectable unit that can score 24 or more points consistently.

Steelers Have Tall Tasks Ahead With Upcoming AFC North Battles

Bateman may not make or break the Ravens' ability to win a Super Bowl, but a career year for him will definitely take some attention off the other play-makers on offense. The AFC North as a whole is a bloodbath entering 2024 and Pittsburgh will need a strong first half of the year to get into position to win the division. The defense will need to bring its absolute best when the Ravens are on the other sideline.

Are you worried that Bateman will take a huge leap in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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