The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 11 play with the lead in the AFC North and they currently sit at third place in the AFC as a whole. They have set themselves up for success by getting off to a hot start, but they will be tested during the last half of the season as they will face a string of tough opponents. Pittsburgh is the last team in the conference to start in-division play, as that will begin when the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. This is usually an intense rivalry, but it will be heightened due to the stakes of the game.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on after big win over the New York Jets.
Pittsburgh will have their hands full with Baltimore. The Ravens operate one of the most efficient offenses in the league, and they seem to be getting better week after week. They have dangerous weapons all over that side of the ball, including two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. One part of the Ravens that has been a bit criticized is their defense, specifically in the passing game. Pittsburgh's Head Coach Mike Tomlin actually defended Baltimore's pass defense during his press conference on Tuesday, stating they aren't viewed in the right way.
"I know a lot has been written and said about their pass defense, but to be quite honest with you, when I turn the tape on, I don't see negligence," Tomlin said. "I see a group that is definitively up on people, and a lot of people are getting out of their personalities and are simply somewhat one dimensional. Throwing the ball 40 and 50 times against them. I think that's probably the most significant reason they're 32nd in the league versus the pass in terms of yards per game. It's the circumstantial component of it."
Tomlin brought up good points when discussing Baltimore's defense. Their offense is so potent and puts up points so fast that the opposing offense is forced into throwing the ball the majority of the game. This makes Baltimore's defense more vulnerable through the air, which is a big reason they have seemed easy to pass on at times.
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Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stands in front of the media as he answers questions about his team.
The Ravens have won seven games during the 2024 season, and three of those victories have been by 10 or more points. When a team has a big lead like that deep into a game, it is nearly impossible to come back without taking risks in the passing game, which is exactly what Baltimore's opponents have tried to do. Sometimes opponents are able to hit some deep shots on them, which makes the defense look back when looking at certain statistical metrics.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Highlights Specific Players On Baltimore's Defense
The Ravens' pass defense may not look great statistically, but they have some great players on that side of the ball that know how to impact a game. Tomlin spoke more about the Ravens' defense, and specifically highlighted a few of their players to look out for in the passing game.
"I don't see guys out of place," Tomlin said. "They got really good players. That safety Kyle Hamilton I think is playing as good as anybody in the business, Marlon Humphrey obviously is a bell cow, not only in terms of his coverage ability, but his ability to get the ball -- man, he's got a reputation. He is the new Peanut Tillman of this generation in terms of taking the ball from people."
This is obviously high praise coming from a coach like Tomlin. Both Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey have had good careers and are expected to be huge factors in any game they are playing in.
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Steelers' George Pickens secures 41-yard touchdown and the winning score against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 of 2023.
In 2023, George Pickens beat Humphrey for a game-winning touchdown which certainly left a bad taste in his mouth, and he may be looking to get some payback on the third-year receiver.
What did you think about Tomlin's comments? What do you expect from this game? Let us know in the comments below!
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