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

andrew vasquez
·1 min read
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PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens during warmups before the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens during warmups before the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

In what could very well be the NFL's best game of the week, the 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers host the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North showdown. In order to pull off the victory, and further solidify their place atop the division, here are 5 offensive keys to victory the Steelers should apply heading into Week 11's matchup.

Pass first, run later:

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws pass while being pressured by New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III (96) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws pass while being pressured by New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III (96) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Baltimore boasts a stingy run defense and a weak pass defense. Pittsburgh can take advantage of the passing game to open up Najee Harris and allow him to take over.

Feed Pickens early and often:

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 10: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a tackle from Quan Martin #20 of the Washington Commanders in the third quarter of a game at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 10: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a tackle from Quan Martin #20 of the Washington Commanders in the third quarter of a game at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

WR George Pickens has heavily benefited from Russell Wilson taking over signal-calling duties and could dominate the game on his own in Week 11.

Utilize the run game to set the pace of the matchup:

Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Keeping the ball out of Ravens' QB Lamar Jackson's hands is of the utmost importance. While the defense will do their job, Pittsburgh should lean on the rushing attack to control the time of possession.

Take advantage of Ravens' Eddie Jackson and Brandon Stephens:

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) celebrates with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders late in the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) celebrates with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders late in the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Without a doubt, two of the weakest members of an already struggling Baltimore secondary are S Eddie Jackson and CB Brandon Stephens. Calvin Austin and Mike Williams could steal the show if matched up against this cornerback-safety tandem in Week 11.

Keep Russell Wilson upright:

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

While the Ravens' secondary is one of the league's worst, the team currently ranks in the top five for sacks with 31 in 10 games. Utilizing extra TE sets and max protection scenarios should be the Steelers' priority in Week 11.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 Steelers’ offensive keys to victory in Week 11 against the Ravens