The Baltimore Ravens take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. The Ravens are trying to find their way back to the win column and pick up a much-needed division victory. But they’ll need a handful of players to play well if they’re going to reverse their fortunes.
You’ll want to pay special attention to these four players this week.
TE Mark Andrews
Through four games, Pittsburgh’s linebackers have not done a great job in coverage. This week, they’ll draw one of the hardest matchups they’ll have this season in Andrews.
Andrews has clearly developed chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson, leading the team in receptions so far. He’s turned those 23 receptions into 266 yards and three touchdowns by beating linebackers with his speed and safeties with his physicality.
If the Ravens’ offense is going to find some rhythm in the passing game this week, it’s likely going to come from the mismatch Andrews presents.
CB Brandon Carr
So much of the Steelers’ offense has changed this offseason. While they might not be as dangerous as in previous seasons, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is still capable of taking over a game if Baltimore isn’t careful. Since Smith-Schuster spends most of his time in the slot, it’ll be Carr that draws the assignment most often in Week 5. With quarterback Mason Rudolph now under center due to Ben Roethlisberger’s injury, Smith-Schuster will likely be the first read on most plays.
If Carr can shut Smith-Schuster down early, it’ll force Rudolph to hold onto the ball as he surveys the rest of the field, which will give the Ravens more time to pressure him. If Carr can’t contain him, it’s going to probably be another long day for Baltimore’s secondary.
RB Mark Ingram
The Steelers-Ravens matchup is more often known for its physicality over anything else. These two teams still epitomize old-school football by being physical in the trenches and especially in the rushing attack. Ingram was made for this type of football.
As a power runner with some speed, Ingram has a chance to completely take over this game. Pittsburgh is allowing a lot of rushing room on first downs and they’re giving up a lot of points to running backs in the red zone. Ingram should need a rag to wipe up all the drool from what looks to be a perfect matchup for him.
The Steelers have a fantastic defensive line but if Ingram can get to work early, he’ll mitigate their ability to generate a lot of pressure on Jackson.
C Matt Skura
Skura has come into this game a little banged up. Though coach John Harbaugh expects him to play still, the injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time.
A lot of the pressure Jackson felt last week against the Cleveland Browns came from the middle of the line. Skura and left guard Bradley Bozeman struggled at times and it was felt as the offense didn’t have enough time to get the passing attack into a rhythm downfield. As mentioned earlier, Pittsburgh has a quietly outstanding defensive line right now. If Jackson is to have time to let routes develop and if the run game is going to get going, it’s going to happen because Skura and the middle of this Ravens’ offensive line has handled it.
