If the Pittsburgh Steelers want any chance at all of playing more than 17 games this season, it all starts with having to win the three of their remaining divisional games. The first of those is a Week 14 bout with a huge rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Former MVP and elusive Quarterback, Lamar Jackson is likely to miss the matchup with a knee sprain, but that won't change much as backup, Tyler Huntley can also hurt an opponent in the rushing attack. The biggest key to victory for Mike Tomlin's team won't be a strong offensive performance, rather his big men up front on defense need to win at the line of scrimmage.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi (#99) stands on the field during a game at Acrisure Stadium against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pro Football Focus released the Week 14 offensive line rankings and it's not great news for Pittsburgh as Baltimore landed at number two on the list. Edge rusher, T.J. Watt has been relatively silent since he returned from injury. Other than an interception and half sack against the Cincinnati Bengals, he has just three pressures since he returned to the lineup in Week 10 when the organization hosted the New Orleans Saints.
The reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year will line up to the side of Ravens' right tackle, Morgan Moses. The offensive lineman has allowed four sacks all year and ranked in the top half of the league in PFF's overall, pass-blocking and run-blocking ratings. Don't expect to see Baltimore passing the ball a whole lot as it is likely to be a heavy rushing attack. Watt is going to need to get around Moses fast and disrupt plays in the backfield so Huntley has to throw the ball on 2nd and 3rd and long situations.
Steelers megastar TJ Watt (Photo Credit: UPI.com)
Left tackle, Ronnie Stanley has dealt with some injuries the last few years, but when healthy, is one of the best offensive tackles in football. Alex Highsmith will have his work cut out for him if he is active. He has not allowed a sack in 151 pass-block attempts this season. Stanley was inactive the last two weeks due to an ankle injury, but his backup, Patrick Mekari, allowed just one pressure in those two games. Whoever Highsmith is up against will have a pass-blocking grade of 79.6 or higher. It will be a tough task either way, but even harder with a healthy and active Stanley.
The Baltimore offense has a promising rookie at center in Tyler Lindenbaum. He has been extremely efficient in certain areas and is currently the best run-blocking rookie center according to PFF. There is going to be a heavy dose of multiple running backs and Huntley's legs early on. If Cameron Heyward can use his veteran prowess to disrupt the rookie, Lindenbaum, it could end up being a long day for the Ravens' offense.
Steelers' Cameron Heyward (#97) leads the defensive line through drills in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
John Harbaugh's offensive line is interestingly a better pass-blocking unit than run-blocking. This is what allows Jackson to remain alert and scramble out of the pocket for long gains on passing downs. With their starting signal-caller expected to miss the game, Teryl Austin's group needs to eliminate the running game early even though that will lead to throwing the football and protecting the quarterback being their biggest strength. Huntley is a solid backup, but without Jackson in there, making him throw the ball and keeping him in the pocket when doing so will be a recipe for success.
The interior defensive line is going to be key in halting the run. While Baltimore's big men up front are ranked #2 for this upcoming week, left guard, Ben Powers has been extremely poor run blocking this season, having just a PFF grade of 48.5 in that category. Larry Ogunjobi, who is dealing with a toe injury, and Montravius Adams will be very important in making Powers feel uncomfortable early on.
Right guard, Kevin Zeitler also has a strong pass-blocking grade but has not been as efficient in creating holes for the running backs. The former first-round pick is a large 6'4, 339-pound force on the inside and is one of the main reasons why Jackson always has so much time to either find a receiver or take off into the wind. Heyward, Ogunjobi, Adams and the other interior guys could be the reason why the Steelers come up with a victory or not.
Steelers defensive lineman, Montravius Adams stands on the field at St. Vincent College during the 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The way that the Ravens' line is structured and where their strengths are, the Steelers could be looking at facing a lot of runs to the outside. Both tackles, regardless of who starts on the left side, have proven to be Baltimore's biggest assets upfront. Pittsburgh's defense, specifically the front seven, will be tasked with shutting down the run game early and forcing Huntley to make plays with his arm. If they accomplish that, then the defensive front must do everything possible to keep him in the pocket and make him make costly mistakes through the air.
Do you think that the key to this week's game will be the Steelers' defensive line/edge rushers winning the battle over the Ravens' offensive protectors? Let us know in the comments below!
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