Steelers vs. Ravens, Week 5: How the Ravens offense will try and move the ball against the Steelers defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 of the 2019 regular season. After dropping their first three games to start the season, they rebounded with a win vs. the Bengals and now prepare to face a 2-2 Ravens team at Heinz Field.

Since this is a familiar matchup for the Steelers, playing an AFC North team, many fans might feel as if they know everything about this matchup. But the truth is there are a lot of different pieces of the overall puzzle between both of these teams, especially the Baltimore offense. So, I wanted to get a lowdown on what the Ravens might have in store for the Steelers by talking with Baltimore Beatdown, SB Nation’s Ravens website, editor Kyle Barber to pick his brain on the upcoming matchup.

In this first of many installments, I asked Kyle what he thinks the Ravens will do when they have the ball and trying to move the ball on the Steelers’ defense. Check out his response:

The Ravens offense is a full-blown enigma. It’s strange to finally witness a full offense for the Ravens at running back, wide receiver and tight end. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is a clear dual-threat quarterback, utilizing his throwing ability and rushing skills. That being said:

The Ravens, in cliche fashion, will attempt to establish a running game. This is, after all, an AFC North battle and getting the Steelers on their heels in the trenches is a must. Though Mark Ingram fumbled last game, head coach John Harbaugh will want to rebuild any lost confidence. The short passing game will soon follow, with Marquise Brown and the tight end trio get their fair share of targets. Watch for the play-action if they get a drive going to midfield, to open up a deep shot on first or second down.

Kyle’s description of what will likely go down at Heinz Field in Week 5 seems pretty reasonable, and the question all Steelers fans have on their minds is will the Steelers be able to stop the run and force Jackson to throw the ball from the pocket? Easier said than done, but it clearly is the recipe for success against the new-look Ravens offense.

Will the Steelers put a spy on Lamar Jackson? Will they run more base defense than their sub packages? If Vince Williams is able to play will he be used early and often, limiting either Mark Barron or Devin Bush’s snaps?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to keep tabs on BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Ravens in Week 5.