The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens are two of the most storied franchises in the NFL, particularly when it comes to their intense rivalry. With the postseason on the line, their Wild-Card matchup promises to be an electrifying affair. Both teams have battled through the regular season, facing ups and downs, but now everything comes down to this one crucial game. For the Steelers to come out on top, their defense must step up and perform at an elite level. Here are five defensive keys to victory that can help Pittsburgh advance to the next round of the playoffs.
### 1. **Contain Lamar Jackson’s Mobility**
Lamar Jackson is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground. His ability to extend plays and gain significant yards with his legs makes him one of the toughest players to defend against, especially in high-pressure situations like the playoffs.
The Steelers’ defense must focus on containing Jackson’s mobility and not allowing him to break the pocket and run wild. This begins with disciplined pass rush lanes. Defensive ends and linebackers must maintain their gap integrity, forcing Jackson to stay within the pocket and limiting his escape routes. If Jackson can get outside the pocket, he has the ability to turn a broken play into a big gain, whether it’s a long run or a deep pass downfield.
To neutralize Jackson’s rushing ability, the Steelers’ defensive line needs to focus on maintaining pressure without overcommitting. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin must draw up blitzes that disguise their intent while keeping the integrity of the pocket. The linebackers, led by T.J. Watt, also need to be mindful of Jackson’s tendency to run on passing downs and be quick to react when he takes off.
### 2. **Shut Down the Ravens’ Run Game**
While Lamar Jackson often steals the spotlight, the Ravens’ rushing attack is one of the most formidable in the NFL. Baltimore boasts one of the league’s best running games, relying on a unique combination of Jackson’s ability to run, a strong offensive line, and the power of running backs like Gus Edwards and rookie standout Keaton Mitchell.
If the Steelers allow the Ravens to establish a dominant ground game, it will open up play-action opportunities and make life much easier for Jackson. Pittsburgh’s defense needs to make stopping the run a top priority from the start. This means the defensive line must control the line of scrimmage, while linebackers like Alex Highsmith, and a healthy Devin Bush or Cole Holcomb, should be ready to flow to the ball and make tackles.
To successfully contain Baltimore’s ground attack, the Steelers will need to mix up their defensive fronts and utilize run blitzes when appropriate. When they do bring pressure, the linebackers need to be disciplined, not biting on play-action or getting caught out of position, as Jackson’s ability to exploit missteps can turn a small gain into a big play.
### 3. **Limit Big Plays in the Passing Game**
While the Ravens are known for their ground game, they also have capable receivers that can exploit defenses when given the chance. Wide receivers like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and veteran DeSean Jackson provide Jackson with explosive options in the passing game, but the key is to make sure those plays don’t turn into big yardage gains.
The Steelers have one of the league’s top secondary units, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick, who can singlehandedly change the course of a game with his ball-hawking skills. Fitzpatrick and fellow safety Terrell Edmunds must provide over-the-top coverage to prevent deep shots down the field. Cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. will need to maintain tight coverage on the outside, particularly on the Ravens’ speedsters.
In order to limit big plays, the Steelers must ensure their pass rush is getting to Jackson consistently, forcing him to make quick decisions. When Jackson is pressured and forced to throw before his feet are set, he can become inaccurate. If the Steelers can disrupt his rhythm, they’ll significantly reduce the risk of giving up long, explosive passes.
### 4. **Win the Turnover Battle**
Turnovers are often the deciding factor in tight playoff games, and both teams are aware of how important it is to control the ball. The Steelers’ defense has built a reputation for forcing turnovers, and they must continue that trend if they want to defeat the Ravens. Pittsburgh finished the regular season with 20 takeaways, and they need to make sure that number increases in this critical matchup.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, who finished with 6 interceptions during the regular season, has the ability to change the game with one big takeaway. Similarly, the Steelers’ pass rush, led by T.J. Watt, can force fumbles, particularly on sacks or strip attempts. In fact, Watt’s ability to disrupt Jackson’s mechanics and get to the quarterback is paramount in the Steelers’ quest to force mistakes.
On the flip side, the Steelers’ offense must limit turnovers, but the defense must create opportunities through pressure and sound coverage. A turnover could set up the Steelers with great field position and potentially take the air out of the Ravens’ momentum, making them less dangerous offensively.
### 5. **Control the Tempo with Consistent Pressure**
The Steelers’ defense is most effective when they can control the tempo of the game by generating consistent pressure on the quarterback. Against Lamar Jackson, the pressure needs to come in a variety of forms. While it’s crucial to put heat on Jackson in the pocket, the Steelers can’t afford to leave themselves vulnerable to Jackson’s scrambling ability.
T.J. Watt, one of the best edge rushers in the league, will be a key factor in creating pressure, but the Steelers also need contributions from other pass rushers. Highsmith has quietly been a force on the opposite edge, and inside rushers like Cameron Heyward and Montravius Adams can collapse the pocket from the inside.
The pressure needs to be strategic. At times, the Steelers should employ a four-man rush to drop more players into coverage and disrupt Jackson’s timing. On other occasions, a well-timed blitz can catch the Ravens off guard and force Jackson to make hurried decisions.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ defense needs to make sure they’re dictating the pace. If they can consistently make Jackson uncomfortable, the Ravens’ offense will struggle to find rhythm, especially if they fall behind early and are forced to abandon their run-heavy approach.
—
### Conclusion
The rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens has always been defined by hard-hitting defense and gritty, determined play on both sides of the ball. In this Wild-Card matchup, the Steelers’ defense will be tasked with neutralizing Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability, stopping the Ravens’ punishing run game, and making key plays in the passing game. If the Steelers can effectively contain Jackson, limit big plays, win the turnover battle, and generate consistent pressure, they will have a great chance of advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
The postseason is where legends are made, and if the Steelers’ defense can step up and execute these keys to victory, they’ll put themselves in an excellent position to secure a win in one of the NFL’s most intense and bitter rivalries.