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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Steelers vs Ravens: Early causes for concern this week

Once again the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the final week of the season needing a win and some help to make the playoffs and as it has happened before, this final showdown is against the hated Baltimore Ravens. There’s a lot of unpack with this week’s game so here are some early concerns.

Mason Rudolph could flop

PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 06: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is injured on the play as he is tackled by Earl Thomas #29 and Brandon Carr #24 of the Baltimore Ravens on October 6, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

No one appreciates what Mason Rudolph has done the last two games more than me. But you can’t help but wonder if he will eventually regress to the mean and struggle. The Ravens will be the best defense he’s gone against and they will be ready.

Overconfidence

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: George Pickens #14 celebrates a first down with Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

It doesn’t take much for this Steelers team to get in their own heads and get overconfident. The combination of two straight big wins paired with the potential of playing backups is a recipe for a trap game.

Quarterback drama

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) stands with Kenny Pickett (8) during practice at NFL football training camp in the Latrobe Memorial Stadium in Latrobe, Pa., Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Beyond the worries about Rudolph not playing well, the built-in drama with Kenny Pickett as the backup is enough to worry about. A power struggle is inevitable and Pickett needs to be supportive for the sake of the team but will he?

The Ravens backups are still pros

Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Cameron Heyward (97) in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

In 2019, the Steelers took on the Ravens backups in the final game of the season with the playoffs on the line and got whipped. With how inconsistent this team has been this season, they can take nothing for granted.

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