The Pittsburgh Steelers have a short week as they head back on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens in a crucial game in the division race. While the Steelers have already handled business once this season against the Ravens, Head Coach Mike Tomlin knows this a much improved team. The Ravens had early struggles defensively, especially in the passing game. As Week 16 looms for both teams, the tape shows that the Ravens' struggles are now turning into strengths after a familiar face returned to their staff.
Tomlin spoke with the media about the team's preparations heading into Baltimore. He noted the improvements that he has seen recently from the Ravens' defense, giving credit to their recently hired senior advisor Dean Pees.
"The last time we played these guys, they brought on Dean Pees as a senior advisor if you will, a few weeks prior to our game and I was wondering what that impact might mean, to be quite honest with you in the first game," said Tomlin. "Looking at the tapes since the last time we played them, I see exactly what it means. Dean is a quality veteran defensive coach, we've competed against him a lot over the years. We're highly familiar with his schematics and to be quite honest with you man, a lot of what they are doing more recently specifically since our game looks a lot like Dean Pees football."
Tomlin and the Steelers are quite familiar with Pees as he was the Ravens' defensive coordinator from from 2012-17. Tomlin has watched every game the Ravens have played since their Week 11 matchup and he can see the impact Pees has already had in Baltimore, especially defending the pass.
"They keep a lid on things, they mix up a variety of two high safeties and so forth," said Tomlin. "They don't give up big plays, they were 32nd in the league in the passing game going into our last game and since our last game, they've given up two passes of 20 yards or more, and that was just the other day versus the Giants and so that speaks to a sea change. They are doing some things schematically different to minimize big plays and I think coach Pees is a significant component of it."
The Steelers have had the Ravens number over the last few years, winning eight of the last 10 matchups with their divisional rivals. Now that the Ravens have cleaned up their pass defense, Pittsburgh's need for George Pickens could be more dire than before. The Steelers were able to rely on the leg of Chris Boswell in their last matchup with the Ravens, going six for six in Pittsburgh's 18-16 win.
The Steelers will have to be at their best in Baltimore and not have another slow offensive night as what was seen in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh is just one game ahead of the Ravens in the standings and this game could decide who gets home-field advantage in the playoffs. While Pickens has been out with hamstring injury for the last two games, his absence truly was felt in the loss against the Eagles. If he isn't able to play in Baltimore, it could be another poor performance through the air.
Steelers Need The Passing Game To Get Back On Track In Baltimore
With the Ravens right on the Steelers' tail in the AFC North race, the passing game has to be at its best in Week 16. Russell Wilson can't have another night of throwing under 150 yards if Pittsburgh wants to pick up the win on the road.
Now with TJ Watt's availability in question, the Steelers will need everyone at their best if they want to escape Baltimore with the win.
