CUP OF JOE: The Secret to Success on SNF

In yesterday’s Cup of Joe, I expressed some concerns about Lamar Jackson and the way he’s going about his business. How this saga plays out is anyone’s guess. But I’m not expecting a happy ending in the long run.

Whether Lamar gives it a go on Sunday night or not, I don’t think the game is won or lost in who starts at quarterback for the Ravens. Lamar has never set the world on fire when it comes to Mike Tomlin’s Steelers. His best passer rating against Pittsburgh in his career came during the Wildcard game last season (132.0). But in 9 career starts against the Steelers he’s lost 6 of 9 games and has an average passer rating of 72.8. So even if he starts, history suggest that Lamar struggles in this rivalry.

What will make a difference is the running game. Enter Derrick Henry.

During the first matchup this season back on December 7, Henry had 25 carries for 94 yards. The Steelers did a nice job of pinching down from the edge with both Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt. That game was a lot different than the Wildcard game in January when Henry ran for 186 yards on 26 carries. The Steelers completely dismissed Lamar as a runner in Week 14. The edge defenders didn’t have to hold down the edge as they had in the past.  All eyes were on Henry.

Given Lamar’s injury, and all the others this season, I don’t expect things to be different this time around. But they could be if Huntley gets the call. He isn’t as hesitant to tuck it and run.

Now don’t get me wrong. Huntley isn’t the runner or the passer that Lamar is but in this game, maybe he gives them a better chance to win.

All that said, I don’t think the game is won and lost by how the Ravens attack the Steelers defense but rather by the way Zach Orr’s defense defends Aaron Rodgers. Forcing Rodgers to get the ball out quick could be a winning formula. We saw that when they played the Browns. But the Ravens don’t have anything remotely close to Myles Garrett, so they’ll have to dial up pressure another way. Forgive me if I have little confidence in the Ravens brain trust to do just that.

But that’s why they play the game.

It’s going to be a grind. The game’s outcome could impact careers.

The Steelers will be without D.K. Metcalf and Darnell Washington. They may be missing Watt and Calvin Austin. When the season started, most thought the Ravens had what most believed to be the best roster in the AFC. If they can’t beat the Steelers without these players, what does it say about the Ravens?

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