The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally playing their first AFC North game of 2024 against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. They currently sit on top of the AFC North at 7-2, but will play their first division game against the 7-3 Ravens who sit behind them in the division race. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense have been on fire this season with Jackson leading the MVP race and most stat categories for signal-callers. However, the Ravens' offense has struggled against the Steelers, especially with Jackson in as quarterback. Jackson has a 1-3 record when starting against the Steelers and has had a total of seven interceptions and four touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the Ravens' defense hasn't been the strongest this season, opening up a window for Russell Wilson and Pittsburgh's offense.
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith came into this organization hoping to boost the offensive numbers after a lackluster past few seasons. Smith luckily had a better quarterback room than previous seasons with Justin Fields and Wilson joining the Steelers in the offseason. Although Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 start, Wilson has boosted the offensive passing game tremendously and has won three straight as a starter in Pittsburgh. During Smith's Thursday press conference, he revealed how much him and Wilson work together to get better each week.
The late meetings and going over gameplans has worked out well so far. Wilson has thrown for 737 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in just three games so far. For Steelers fans, it's great to hear that an offensive coordinator is doing their job and working close with the starting quarterback. There were questions of how Smith would run this offense as he got fired as a head coach from the Atlanta Falcons, but so far he has been showing he was the right hire. Smith also mentioned in his press conference how great and coachable Wilson is, even as a veteran quarterback.
"Every player I've had is unique, especially at that spot," said Smith. "It's a good relationship. Sometimes you've got to agree to disagree. I like to debate... He's been phenomenal in that regard."
Smith and Wilson do have a tough schedule ahead of them to prepare for. The Steelers still have to travel to the Philadelphia Eagles and host the Kansas City Chiefs, both who rank in top five of average total yards allow per game. They also have to play each AFC North team twice still, but the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have allowed some of the highest passing yards in the NFL. Wilson's passing ability and gorgeous moon ball has definitely made Smith's job easier as he can open the playbook more for his offense. Smith and Wilson will get their first taste of AFC North football Sunday against the Ravens in what's sure to be a tough matchup for both teams.
Steelers' Mike Williams And George Pickens Create A Serious Deep Threat Duo
Steelers fans saw their first glimpse of Mike Williams last Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Although he didn't play a ton, Williams caught the go-ahead 32-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to put the Steelers ahead with just over two minutes left in the game. George Pickens also had a great day with five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Now, when opposing defenses focus on Pickens, Wilson will have Williams to look to if they're looking to throw the ball down the field for a huge play. It'll be exciting to see how Smith continues to use Williams in this offense and how much more he can contribute to the team.
