OTL: Happy Ravens-Steelers Eve

There’s no question this Saturday is the biggest game of the Ravens season. Everything is on the line in this game. The AFC North? It goes to the Steelers if they win. Playoff Seeding? A loss to the Steelers would guarantee the Ravens would be in the Wild Card and have to go on the road immediately. They can still clinch a playoff berth if they lose, but it would take losses from two other teams, and the odds are not in the Ravens’ favor.

Another thing the Ravens have to deal with is the injuries. They’re not working from a full cupboard of talent, and the big one  is Rashod Bateman:

https://twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1869808822463934556

Really Football Gods? After the first two-score game of his career, you must take him away from us? We don’t know how bad this injury is, but it isn’t good if it is enough to put Bateman in a boot. Also, considering that the Ravens are in their stretch of three games in ten days right now, don’t bet on Bateman being on the field tomorrow.

I wouldn’t even count on a limited snap count for him. What makes things even more of an issue is that Nelson Agholor is still in concussion protocol. John Harbaugh did say that he had a chance to clear it before Saturday, but how much trust do we have in that at this point?

You know what? This could be a massive game for Diontae Jonson to rebound from his suspension and put the world on notice, showing why EDC went out and got him with a clear shot to prove himself.

I can’t wait to see that…. Oh, wait, nevermind, because Johnson is still out, thanks to his own actions.

Diontae Johnson moment https://t.co/nRb4rhVxdu

— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) December 19, 2024

Johnson is a Greek tragedy. There is no way else to describe how disappointing this acquisition has been. Think about this: he left this on the table. A potential revenge game against his former team, a new role as the receiver two, and a huge opportunity to prove himself to the coaches, fans, and staff that he does have something left in the tank. All that was thrown out the door because of his hubris and gigantic ego, which might need a separate room from his body and had to get in the way. Not even Homer could have written a story as tragic as this.

It’s not all doom and Gloom, though, as the Steelers are missing something vital to their offense as well:

The #Steelers ruled out WR George Pickens and QB Justin Fields for Saturday vs. Baltimore.

OLB T.J. Watt (ankle) is off the injury report and will play.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 19, 2024

George Pickens is the Steelers’ offense, but he isn’t going to play. The Steelers are the one worst offenses in the league without him on the field:

Steelers’ offense with and without George Pickens on the field this season …

Yards per play: 11th / 32nd
Success rate: 18th / 32nd
Explosive-play rate: 13th / 32nd

(via TruMedia)

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) December 19, 2024

T.J. Watt was always going to play in this game but he isn’t totally healthy and will be hobbled. Add in some other depth pieces, like DeShon Elliot being doubtful and other fragments on their defense also hurting, and this game will come down to Lamar Jackson exorcising those Steelers’ demons.

With Pickens out and the Ravens’ defense finally fixed, I have no doubt they can hold Pittsburgh down.

It is now time for Lamar to play like an MVP, beat this defense that has been his bugaboo, and put up 30+ in a statement win.

The post OTL: Happy Ravens-Steelers Eve appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/12/20/out-to-lunch/otl-happy-ravens-steelers-eve/