The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of the 2024 regular season, and with it being the team’s latest game fans’ hopes remain high heading into the final stretch of the season. The hope is there is a winning performance on the horizon on Saturday in Week 16 when the team travels to play the Baltimore Ravens.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to on defense to claim their eleventh victory of 2024? Let’s break it down…

Defense

Limit Big Plays

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. They average 424.1 yards per game (1st), 245.6 passing yards per game (4th) and 178.4 rushing yards per game (2nd).

If the Steelers are going to win this game, they have to make the Ravens earn it. In other words, don’t give up the big play. If the Steelers can force the Ravens to have to drive down the field, it will increase their chances of taking the ball away, something they do better than any other defense in the NFL this season. Limiting big plays is going to be huge in Week 16.

Get to Lamar, Force Mistakes

The Ravens have only surrendered 22 sacks this season and turned the ball over 10 times. Both are extremely impressive numbers for the  Baltimore offense, but can they limit pressure on Jackson which has resulted in mistakes.

The Steelers know how to fluster Lamar Jackson, and they are better than any other defense in doing so. Getting sacks is huge, but getting QB Hits and hurries is equally important. Mistakes don’t always have to be turnovers, but throw aways and negative plays can be equally important to victory in this game.

Bend, Don’t Break

The Steelers defense struggled on 3rd downs vs. Philadelphia last week, and it is an area they’ll have to improve upon if they want to beat the Ravens Saturday.

Getting off the field will be vital, but also forcing Justin Tucker attempts will be an interesting part of the game within the game.

The Ravens will move the ball, but if the Steelers defense can keep the Ravens offense, scoring 29.9 points per game, to 20 they could be well on their way to an AFC North championship.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!