5 Steelers’ defensive keys to victory in Week 11 against the Ravens

andrew vasquez

Sat, Nov 16, 2024, 9:00 AM·1 min read

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their work cut out for them heading into Week 11 to face the Ravens. Baltimore has a plethora of offensive threats, including two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and one of the greatest runningbacks in the NFL, Derrick Henry. Here are the Steelers' 5 defensive keys to victory in Week 11.

Assign a QB spy to Lamar at all times:

While the Ravens' QB is a prolific passer, the real threat is his legs. The Pittsburgh Steelers need to sacrifice coverage opportunities by forcing one player to stay on Jackson throughout the game.

Blitz the Ravens the majority of the contest:

Dec 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linmebaxcker T.J. Watt sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The threat of Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson with a clean pocket, and the play action game is too threatening to only rush four Steelers defenders in Week 11.

Prevent the game from becoming a shootout:

While the Steelers' offense can hang with some of the best teams in the NFL, this 2024 Ravens' offense is designed to win games that end up in shoot outs. It will be up to the Pittsburgh defense to make the contest a boring one.

Have DeShon Elliot line up in the box often:

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 15: DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after beating the Denver Broncos 13-6 at Empower Field At Mile High on September 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Steelers' safety DeShon Elliot has become one of the best tackling safeties in the NFL, and will need to play close to the line of scrimmage to stop Henry and Jackson.

Take advantage of RT Roger Rosengarten:

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

One of the weakest links on the Ravens' offense is RT Roger Rosengarten. Pittsburgh should do everything possible to get T.J. Watt one on one with the struggling offensive lineman.