The Pittsburgh Steelers Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens has finally arrived. The Steelers have the opportunity to slam the door shut on the Ravens’ AFC North divisional title aspirations, as a win over Baltimore solidifies Pittsburgh’s place atop the division. However, doing so is no easy task, as the Ravens boast one of the most dangerous offenses the NFL has ever seen. With that in mind, here are several defensive keys to victory for the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into Week 16.
Rotate Nick Herbig with T.J. Watt to avoid further injury:
Watt is coming off a dominant Week 15 performance but injured his ankle toward the end of the contest. There is no way the former 2022 D.P.O.Y. is feeling 100%, and this could be Herbig’s time to shine when Watt needs his rest on a potential snap count.
Make Lamar Jackson one-dimensional with zone coverage:
Utilizing zone coverage would allow the Steelers’ defense to have eyes on Jackson at all times, removing his ability to create massive plays with his athleticism.
If Derrick Henry is in the Ravens’ huddle, Elandon Roberts should follow:
Henry is one of the scariest RBs in the NFL this season, but Roberts is one of the league’s best run-stopping linebackers. Giving Roberts his highest snap count of the season should result in a slow day for the Ravens’ run game.
Stop the Ravens’ dark horse receiving threat—Devontez Walker:
Rookie Devontez Walker is an athletic freak, standing 6 feet 1 inch and running an impressive 4.36 40-yard dash. The rookie WR also caught his first TD pass last week against the Giants. Diontae Johnson’s removal from the Ravens’ roster, as well as the absence of WR Nelson Agholor, allows Walker far more playing time.
Let Minkah Fitzpatrick play the ‘DeShon Elliott role’:
With the Steelers’ best player in the secondary, DeShon Elliott, out with a hamstring injury, Fitzpatrick may need to play all over the field in Week 16. Similarly to last week against the Eagles, giving Fitzpatrick the freedom to roam could work wonders for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 Steelers’ defensive keys to victory in Week 16 vs Ravens
