As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a rematch against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, they'll need to clean up some mistakes that were made in their previous game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles put up 401 total yards of offense against Pittsburgh's defensive unit and the Steelers' offense had trouble pushing the ball down the field. There was a mix of missed tackling, controversial penalty calls and a costly turnover from Najee Harris. Pittsburgh was without some key players like George Pickens, Larry Ogunjobi and DeShon Elliott. These injuries came at an unlucky time as the Steelers are currently on a brutal stretch of three games in 11 days. They're currently on their second game of this stretch as they have a quick turnaround playing on Saturday against the Ravens and then hosting the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day four days later.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DeShon Elliott takes a knee during OTAs in 2024.
Someone who has had arguably one of the best seasons on the team is Elliott. He has 96 total tackles on the season and has been an aggressive player on defense, making huge tackles and stops. Elliott injured his hamstring after the Cleveland Browns game in Week 14 and was out for the Eagles game. Head Coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday no one was ruled out yet for Saturday's game against the Ravens, so Elliott may still have a chance to suit up on Saturday.
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has continued to run one of the top defenses in the NFL. Although the passing game needs a little work, Pittsburgh is fourth in rush yards allowed per game, averaging 94.4 yards. The defensive unit also leads the league in turnovers with 30. Austin gave praise to players like Cameron Heyward and TJ Watt during his Wednesday press conference, but he also noted how Elliott is quietly having the best season.
"We all know about TJ and Cam and those guys. But I think quietly, this guy's been having an outstanding year. Like, really top notch," Austin said. "The biggest thing you miss with him is in terms of how physical he plays and the temperament he brings. The things he does in the run game are pretty exceptional. I think the guy's been having a great year."
Whenever a great play happens on defense, it seems like Elliott's always one of the players apart of it. Although the Steelers' defense without Elliott held Saquon Barkley to 65 yards, they still let up 131 total rushing yards. Elliott's physicality was missed as he's a key player in winning these tough games. It's quite remarkable how much he's standing out on this team from other guys like Watt and Heyward, who are usually the stars of the show.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DeShon Elliott makes a play against David Njoku in Week 14
Elliott has also shown how well he can be in the passing game. He's able to keep up with receivers and make a play on the ball to cause an incompletion. Although Elliott has one interception on the season, he's quick to the ball and makes huge plays in other ways. Hopefully Elliott will be able to suit up against the Ravens as the defense will need to stop Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry for the second time, but now in Baltimore. Austin did seem optimistic that Elliott could be back Saturday, which is a good sign that he didn't completely rule him out of the game plan.
Steelers Need Key Players During This Final Stretch Of Games
The Steelers have the chance to control their own destiny and clinch the AFC North on Saturday against the Ravens. This would allow them to have home-field advantage in the wild card round in the playoffs, something they haven't gotten since January 2021 when they hosted the Browns. It'll be tough to win in Baltimore, but the Steelers have won the last four matchups against the Ravens. On defense, Pittsburgh needs Watt, Elliott and Ogunjobi back for the defense to be at full strength.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens practices before a Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Pickens has been dealing with a hamstring injury and has missed the past two games, but Steeler Nation got a positive sign on Tuesday when Pickens was seen working off to the side at practice. The Eagles game exposed what this offense looks like without Pickens as the Steelers don't have a true WR2. Russell Wilson was still able to spread the ball around, but it clearly wasn't the same with Pickens not playing. Hopefully these guys are active for Saturday's game and if not, against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.
How do you think Elliott's performed this season? Let us know in the comments below!
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