Baltimore Beatdown - Ravens vs. Steelers: Everything you need to know for Week 17A Baltimore Ravens Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47159/baltimorebeatdown_fave.png2023-01-01T19:08:11-05:00http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/rss/stream/232909012023-01-01T19:08:11-05:002023-01-01T19:08:11-05:00Ravens vs. Steelers inactives: Calais Campbell OUT, Charlie Kolar ACTIVE
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Jacksonville Jaguars" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5zFKIsEsoUkK940BssoXHO2IJU8=/1662x0:4174x1675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71814129/1445547618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The rookie tight end will make his NFL debut</p> <p id="KWiAMr">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> inactives lists have been released.</p>
<p id="lyOhVn"><strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="ftMCoZ">QB Lamar Jackson (knee)</li>
<li id="NoMVK4">DE Calais Campbell (knee)</li>
<li id="An6Ano">CB Marcus Peters (calf)</li>
<li id="ocHdTf">OL Trystan Colon</li>
<li id="a9Fr0L">TE Nick Boyle (illness)</li>
<li id="xeU1ie">OLB David Ojabo</li>
<li id="tLWOab">RB Kenyan Drake</li>
</ul>
<p id="yTTyFM">After an extensive pre-game routine with trainers, it appears Campbell was not comfortable enough to be active. However, him being this close to active this week is a fair sign he will be available for Week 18 against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> with a chance at the division title if the team can defeat the Steelers without him.</p>
<p id="wQ8zf1">The Ravens will go with the running back trio of J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, with Drake drawing the short straw.</p>
<p id="uYLXbM">A new active player for tonight making his NFL debut is rookie tight end Charlie Kolar. Felt like there was a possibility after Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman gushed about the tight end unit earlier this week.</p>
<p id="qmoi1O">“I’ll tell you what, though: we have a pretty diverse group of tight ends, and they can do a lot of different things well,” Roman said. “There’s a lot of them, and they’re all capable in different ways. So, they’ve been probably presenting some issues that teams normally don’t have to deal with with that group. So, we’ll see where it goes.”</p>
<p id="9Hork7"><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="kGtKoj">QB Mason Rudolph</li>
<li id="Sw5FMf">DB Tre Norwood</li>
<li id="RKWlb3">Malik Reed</li>
<li id="dpQO5N">Kendrick Green</li>
<li id="0XJfhH">LB Tae Crowder</li>
<li id="EPjywy">DT Jonathan Marshall</li>
</ul>
<p id="Ux5LFA"></p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/1/1/23534848/ravens-vs-steelers-inactives-calais-campbell-out-charlie-kolar-active-david-ojabo-lamar-jacksonKyle Phoenix2023-01-01T19:01:00-05:002023-01-01T19:01:00-05:00Ravens vs. Steelers: Open Thread
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<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ewyDggm0H_xGXM_3ULH-emIC0PU=/0x0:4227x2818/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71814098/1452228209.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The best damn rivalry in football airs in primetime</p> <p id="JSvsre">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (10-5) and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (7-8) clash in primetime in a heated game with playoff implications on the line.</p>
<p id="RHq2NR">The Ravens can end the Steelers playoff ambitions with a victory tonight. They had a chance to be eliminated earlier today but the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, extending their playoff hopes. A victory here would also spell the end of Mike Tomlin’s oft-mentioned achievement of never having a season under .500. A loss today would put them at nine wins and break Tomlin’s streak.</p>
<p id="9tLeBy">The Steelers, along with playing for their own sake, can meddle with the Ravens’ division hopes. A loss tonight, combined with a Bengals victory on Monday night, knock the Ravens out of AFC North contention.</p>
<h3 id="RB481L"><strong>Pre-Game Reads</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="1cTqI3"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/1/1/23534167/ravens-vs-steelers-key-matchups-marlon-humphrey-george-pickens-tj-watt-morgan-moses-tyler-linderbaum">Key Matchups</a></li>
<li id="Gl7K7z"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/30/23532584/previewing-the-ravens-vs-steelers-week-17-showdown-nfl-news">Previewing Ravens vs. Steelers Act II</a></li>
<li id="sEx2R9"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/30/23531567/behind-enemy-lines-q-a-with-behind-the-steel-curtain-for-week-17">Q&A with Behind the Steel Curtain’s Jeff Hartman</a></li>
<li id="GsJ5IY"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/1/1/23532406/baltimores-defense-has-been-dominant-since-acquiring-roquan-smith-can-they-keep-it-up-ravens">Baltimore’s Defense has been dominant since acquiring Roquan Smith</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="glUWnX"><strong>Social Media</strong></h2>
<p id="hmB6E4">As always, I do ask for you to please follow and ‘like’ us on various social media outlets. Support us!</p>
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<li id="iCbUDH">Podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baltimore-beatdown-for-baltimore-ravens-fans/id1377269109"><strong>The Baltimore Beatdown Podcast</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="lTuFdO">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/baltimorebeatdown/"><strong>Baltimore Beatdown: For Baltimore Ravens fans</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="nP88re">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/baltimore_beatdown/"><strong>baltimore_beatdown</strong></a>
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<p id="VP5ibm"></p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/1/1/23534858/ravens-vs-steelers-open-thread-bal-vs-pit-w-17-nfl-nbc-snf-game-time-radio-tvKyle Phoenix2023-01-01T10:30:00-05:002023-01-01T10:30:00-05:00AFC North Preview, Week 17: Playoff implications on the line
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<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TO1VrU5U2wVtd1Wc1c5JqlqfNpA=/0x0:3865x2577/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71812681/1452228268.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>There’s a lot at stake for the division this week</p> <p id="KoOg5q">With two weeks remaining in the 2022 NFL Regular Season, the fate of the AFC North appears destined to come down to a Week 18 showdown between the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="o4WX1q">
<h3 id="7CJHBq"><strong>Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)</strong></h3>
<p id="mRMMoA">The Bengals are in control of their own destiny now with two games remaining on the schedule, needing only a win over the Ravens in Week 18 to clinch the AFC North for the second year in a row. This week’s game is still crucial for Cincinnati as they push to move into one of the AFC’s top two seeds against the No. 1 seed <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> on Monday Night Football. The Bengals are currently 1-point underdogs at home against the Bills, according to <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/buf-bills-%40-cin-bengals/26844151">DraftKings Sportsbook </a>.</p>
<p id="8GrfzC">The reigning AFC champions have expressed their confidence ahead of Monday’s anticipated matchup. “At the end of the day, what people got to realize and understand, we the big dog of the AFC and that’s just what it is,” running back Joe Mixon said following Cincinnati’s Saturday practice. “For anything to happen, it goes through us.”</p>
<p id="kctmJV">The Bengals’ offensive line lost a key piece this week as starting right tackle La’el Collins was placed on Injured Reserve with a torn ACL. Either Isaiah Prince or Hakeem Adiniji will fill Collin’s spot on Monday night. In good news, tight end Hayden Hurst was removed from the injury report and is expected to play against Buffalo. Meanwhile, defensive end Sam Hubbard is questionable to play with a calf injury. </p>
<h3 id="Ll3CDS"><strong>Baltimore Ravens (10-5)</strong></h3>
<p id="QAeB55">Baltimore clinched a playoff berth with their victory over the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> last week, but John Harbaugh’s squad is still pushing for the division title, even with starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined with a knee injury. The Ravens must first go through the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> on Sunday Night Football. Baltimore is currently favored by 2.5 points at home, according to <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/pit-steelers-%40-bal-ravens/26844130">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>. </p>
<p id="SOC39g">Jackson is expected to miss his fourth-straight game this Sunday with the knee sprain he suffered against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> early in December. The Ravens remain hopeful to get their star quarterback back in time for the playoffs, but in the meantime, Tyler Huntley will continue to get the start in his absence. </p>
<p id="E5lKLk">Alongside Jackson, starting cornerback Marcus Peters has also been ruled out for Sunday night’s contest with a calf injury. Veteran defense end Calais Campbell (knee) returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday and is listed as questionable. The 36-year-old is just one sack away from hitting the 100 mark for his esteemed career. </p>
<h3 id="ui3CxF"><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)</strong></h3>
<p id="pH7P6g">The Steelers continue to hang around in the AFC playoff conversation following their 13-10 win over the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> in Week 16. Alongside a small shot at making the postseason, Pittsburgh will fight to keep Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s 15-year streak of never finishing with a record below .500 alive. First up is a rematch with their biggest rivals on Sunday Night Football as 2.5-point road underdogs, according to <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/pit-steelers-%40-bal-ravens/26844130">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<p id="HmvOOJ">Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett is back to play Baltimore after being knocked out of their previous meeting with a concussion early in the game. The first-rounders performance has steadily improved over the course of his first NFL season and he will have a prime opportunity to showcase that against a tough defense on Sunday night. </p>
<p id="iCmeOs">Initially listed as questionable with a toe injury, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was removed from the injury report on Saturday and is expected to play on Sunday. Linebacker Myles Jack (groin) is listed as questionable. Meanwhile, safety Terrell Edmunds is set to return after missing last week’s game against the Raiders. </p>
<h3 id="4q9aiT">
<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><strong>Cleveland Browns</strong></a><strong> (6-9)</strong>
</h3>
<p id="enMYqd">The Cleveland Browns were finally eliminated from the playoffs following their Week 16 loss to the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>. The Browns will now hit the road to take on the Washington Commanders as 2.5-point underdogs, according to <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/cle-browns-%40-was-commanders/26844144">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>. </p>
<p id="22Xdc4">Cleveland took a gigantic swing at the quarterback position this offseason when they traded for Deshaun Watson amidst a litany of sexual assault and harassment allegations. So far, the results have been lackluster on the field in his return from an 11-game suspension. “The progress is continuing to grow each and every week,” Watson said. “The stats might not show it and it might not say it, but right now this is, like I said before, this is not about any statistics or anything like that. It’s about me improving as a quarterback, getting back in the rhythm, getting in the rhythm of this offense and this team.”</p>
<p id="EJ6P5x">Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (concussion) is questionable to play on Sunday. No other players were listed on the Browns’ injury report ahead of of their showdown with the Commanders. </p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/1/1/23533765/afc-north-preview-week-17-lamar-jackson-tyler-huntley-kenny-pickett-deshaun-watson-joe-mixonDustin Cox2022-12-30T15:15:06-05:002022-12-30T15:15:06-05:00Ravens vs. Steelers game status: Lamar Jackson ruled OUT
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eD_tDfFQ4Ec5F8t-m2Tj2mSx7Lc=/0x211:2545x1908/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71808137/1448185446.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s official</p> <p id="lV1qNM">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> injury report and game status for Week 17 has been released. The team announced both quarterback Lamar Jackson and cornerback Marcus Peters have been ruled out against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>.</p>
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<p id="fnQvIp">Coming as no surprise really after both players did not practice all week.</p>
<p id="1i69V2">Three players were listed as questionable for Sunday.</p>
<ul>
<li id="c9pt7z">TE Nick Boyle</li>
<li id="0cfcnu">DE Calais Campbell</li>
<li id="cNhWl9">S Geno Stone</li>
</ul>
<p id="nFDFUj">Friday was the first practice back for Campbell, who suffered a knee injury in Week 15.</p>
<p id="D2vmVT">Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said prior to the release that Campbell, Peters and Jackson are progressing well.</p>
<p id="JZGyBM">“All three of these guys are working super hard,” Harbaugh said. “I would say they’re on schedule. It’s hard to say what schedule means exactly with injuries because it’s nature, but all three of those guys are doing a great job.”</p>
<p id="o5la0y">Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who sat out Thursday’s practice with a rest/groin designation, was a full participant on Friday.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/30/23532697/ravens-vs-steelers-game-status-lamar-jackson-ruled-out-nfl-news-tyler-huntleyKyle Phoenix2022-12-30T15:03:11-05:002022-12-30T15:03:11-05:00Previewing the Ravens vs. Steelers Week 17 showdown
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2GcBRmM4ICkvOP-iqDKGiK8JkQM=/0x502:3243x2664/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71808117/1448368646.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Winning on Sunday gives the Ravens a shot at the AFC North crown</p> <h3 id="LRPbqW"><strong>Teams (Records)</strong></h3>
<p id="6yaWUH"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/"><strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong></a>: 10-5</p>
<p id="O9Lg9C"><a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/"><strong>Atlanta Falcons</strong></a><strong>: </strong>7-8</p>
<h3 id="qqNDT3">
<strong>Odds (Courtesy of </strong><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/qqa5?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D341866674%26wpcid%3D163146%26wpcn%3DBlog%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DOdds&pcid=163146&pscn=NFLRegSeason&pcrn=Blog&psn=Vox"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a><strong>)</strong>
</h3>
<p id="TdmK4i"><strong>Spread: </strong>Ravens -2.5<br><strong>Over/Under: </strong>35<br><strong>Moneyline: </strong>Ravens -140, <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> +120</p>
<p id="PXOVeb"><em>If you’re considering gambling on the games, consider doing so at </em><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/qqa5?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D341866674%26wpcid%3D163146%26wpcn%3DBlog%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DOdds&pcid=163146&pscn=NFLRegSeason&pcrn=Blog&psn=Vox"><em><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></em></a><em>, official sponsor of SB Nation and Baltimore Beatdown.</em></p>
<h3 id="DoKGB5"><strong>Last 5 Games In Regular Season Series</strong></h3>
<p id="hi6HpH">Ravens: 1-4</p>
<p id="pfeTJa">Falcons: 1-4</p>
<h3 id="o9E0zW"><strong>Matchup History</strong></h3>
<p id="QUFJRP">Steelers lead 32-25</p>
<h3 id="ZFEePG"><strong>Injury Report & Game Status</strong></h3>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RCCe2d">
<h3 id="ECKSOI"><strong>Storylines</strong></h3>
<p id="udpCy9"><strong>Primetime? Are You Sure?</strong></p>
<p id="mvsoJi">The NFL flexed this contest with good intentions. After all, it’s Ravens-Steelers. The Ravens have AFC North crown ambitions and the Steelers are trying to make a playoff bid, keep Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s above .500 streak alive and also, sabotage the Ravens’ divisional chances. What’s not to love? However, the Steelers could be out of the playoff race by the 8:20 p.m. start time. Add on quarterback Lamar Jackson has been ruled out and you’re left with an unseasoned steak. Yeah, it’s still a nice cut, but where’s the S&P?</p>
<p id="9RSkd2">That’s not to say this game won’t add a flair of the dramatic. I’m fully expecting a chaotic, defensive war between these two squads that ends in a two-point point differential, but there’s a lacking element with Jackson out.</p>
<p id="cQRE4r"><strong>Offensive Start</strong></p>
<p id="r2R04b">The Ravens enter Sunday with the second-lowest three-and-out rate, at 13.4-percent. The Steelers are at the other end of the spectrum, going three-and-out on 25.8-percent of drives. I asked Head Coach John Harbaugh on Friday what is allowing them to be successful in getting that first first down.</p>
<p id="N6lu7v">“The ability to get the first first-down is something that we really emphasize. We like to get the first first-down on first- or second-down; it’s another point we think is important,” Harbaugh said. “Then, obviously, third-down success really matters because you want to stay on the field, you want to keep the chains moving. With that, you’d like to get some big plays in there, some big chunk plays and also some scoring plays. So, those are things I think we’re working really hard for.”</p>
<p id="aw8ImJ"><strong>Sacks and Escalators</strong></p>
<p id="TNpZWO">Two Ravens outside linebackers are nearing incentives in their contract. Justin Houston, who sits at nine sacks, is one from hitting his third and final $500k incentive bonus. He has already earned $1 million after hitting on the first two incentives of five sacks and 7.5 sacks.</p>
<p id="rhobyE">Jason Pierre-Paul needs three sacks in the next two games to earn $500k. He sits at two on the season with the Ravens.</p>
<p id="QfGUuK"><strong>Coordinator Gives Credit</strong></p>
<p id="sKSajS">I asked Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald on Thursday about if he feels he’s settled in as a first-year NFL defensive coordinator. Macdonald shrugged off the credit and gave it to the acquisition and play of linebacker Roquan Smith and, interestingly, rookie Kyle Hamilton.</p>
<p id="0K8aG4">“But I think you’re getting a good feel for what our team can and can’t do over the course of the year,” Macdonald said. “And then as pieces change, and you add a guy like Roquan Smith, and Kyle [Hamilton] comes into his own a little bit, it starts to put things into focus for you.”</p>
<p id="OfXekO">Macdonald was then asked about Hamilton’s progression this season, where he shared how they’ve found a role for him and how he handled adversity from earlier in the season.</p>
<p id="KWmLwS">“So, when Kyle [Hamilton] got here, we just put him at safety and tried to get him to get his feet wet there and just try to master one position. And then as the season went, and our roster came into focus, where he would be … [He] started out at safety, [and] he was doing some good things, but we decided to leave Chuck [Clark] there for the majority of the time,” Macdonald said. “...I can see he’s kind of finding a place there at nickel and sometimes at dime [and] a little bit of safety. So, I think [it was] just finding a home for him where he’s comfortable and fits his skillset. And then to his credit, like I’ve mentioned before, just being able to handle the adversity at the beginning of the season and just keep attacking every day and having the humility to realize there are things he needed to learn, and he did those things. So, I think he’s on a great track. He’s going to have a great career.”</p>
<p id="2O8bxU"><strong>Morgan Moses Dominance</strong></p>
<p id="TQuD9y">Hefty amounts of praise have washed Moses’ way this week after arguably his best game as a blocker. According to PFF, Moses whupped the Falcons’ defensive line, earning a 90.9 run block grade and an 81.0 pass block grade after allowing zero pressures. According to Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman, part of it’s due to progression over the second half of the season and getting more comfortable.</p>
<p id="1j9Kxf">“We have a pretty extensive system. For a guy coming in, it’s a little bit like, ‘Woah,’ not that he did that, but there’s a natural evolution in getting comfortable with everything and being able to make the adjustments on the fly, that type of thing,” Roman said.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/30/23532584/previewing-the-ravens-vs-steelers-week-17-showdown-nfl-newsKyle Phoenix2022-12-30T09:01:00-05:002022-12-30T09:01:00-05:00Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Behind the Steel Curtain for Week 17
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<img alt="Las Vegas Raiders v Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f263gu1zQEiNWnTaCsPk2o6mC9w=/59x0:4267x2805/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71806668/1452281016.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A second Q&A between myself and BTSC’s Jeff Hartman</p> <p id="w41w8i">In preparing for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, Behind the Steel Curtain’s Jeff Hartman and I sat down for our second small Q&A for one another’s publications.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JkZ5h6">
<p id="8AkrOO"><strong>1. After some turnover concerns out of Pickett in his early stretch (eight interceptions in first five games), Pickett has been rather protective with the ball with only one interception in the past six games. Were the first few games unlucky? Did something change or is Pickett being conservative with the ball, or even too conservative?</strong></p>
<p id="ledQTA">During the team’s Week 9 bye you can tell the message was made loud and clear — protect the football. Pickett has come out since Week 10, and done just that. Up until the interception during the Raiders game in Week 16, he hadn’t thrown an interception since the bye. What started out as just Pickett being extremely careful with the football has turned into him learning how to both move the ball, and not jeopardize the team in the process. Pickett isn’t taking unnecessary risks, but he also isn’t limiting the offense either.</p>
<p id="tY66X8"><strong>2. Another model of consistency for the Steelers lately has been the defense, which has allowed fewer than 20 points in the past five games. Did the Bengals game spark something or were there changes made after the Week 11 game? What are you seeing?</strong></p>
<p id="5VIXH2">The Steelers are getting back to the basics, and that means they are stopping the run and are tackling better. However, as the Ravens saw in Week 14, they are still susceptible to having days where they get gashed on the ground. The Steelers ultimately are a defense which is based on a very simple philosophy. Stop the run, get you in obvious down and distances, and then attack. This isn’t the Dick LeBeau defense where they can out-trick you as much as out-work you. This is a different unit, and one which is predicated on the aforementioned criteria.</p>
<p id="3FHSa3"><strong>3. The Mike Tomlin streak is on the line this season as the Steelers must run the table to keep from going under .500. Is this something Steelers fans are rooting for, or is there a desire from the fanbase to stumble and gain better draft picks? Or, does none of it matter?</strong></p>
<p id="lcfnBG">There are those fans who want the team to have a better draft pick(s) in the upcoming draft. After all, the team is in a rebuild; however, most fans want to see the team win. The vast majority of the fan base is relatively sick and tired of Tomlin’s non-losing season streak. It isn’t that they don’t find it impressive, but how it just feels like they are celebrating mediocrity. Not winning division titles or advancing in the playoffs, that latter hasn’t been done in a long time, but just winning more than you lose. If it ends this season, I doubt many will lose sleep over it.</p>
<p id="iHkkEp"><strong>4. As you asked me, I also am curious about your thoughts on this rivalry that many have claimed ‘isn’t the same’ anymore or has changed. What say you?</strong></p>
<p id="VEpmch">Yeah, this rivalry is a shell of its former self. Gone are the days when Joey Porter reportedly stormed on the Ravens’ bus to go after the players. Gone are the days when Ed Reed had to keep his head on a swivel to see if Hines Ward was going to ear-hole him on a run play. Gone are the days when Ray Lewis shattered Rashard Mendenhall’s scapula his rookie season. The Steelers and Ravens were never dirty about it, but they wanted to take the other person out. This wasn’t Vontaze Burfict and that dirty Bengals defense, but two teams who couldn’t stand one another. Now it seems much more respectful, and while that’s nice, I do miss the good ol’ days sometimes.</p>
<p id="C0V8Gu"><strong>5. The Steelers are 2.5-point underdogs in this matchup according to </strong><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/qqa5?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D341866674%26wpcid%3D163146%26wpcn%3DBlog%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DOdds&pcid=163146&pscn=NFLRegSeason&pcrn=Blog&psn=Vox"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a><strong>. Do you agree with the line? If so, why? If not, where would you place it?</strong></p>
<p id="KAj7jJ">I think this is a fair line for both teams. There is a lot of indecision surrounding Lamar Jackson’s availability, and that has to have oddsmakers wondering where to set the line. The Steelers aren’t playing out of this world, but much better than they were earlier in the season. Likewise, the Ravens aren’t boat racing anyone either, so this should be a low-scoring, and close, affair. I know, shocker, right?</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/30/23531567/behind-enemy-lines-q-a-with-behind-the-steel-curtain-for-week-17Kyle Phoenix2022-12-29T14:29:57-05:002022-12-29T14:29:57-05:00Ravens practice attendance 12/29: J.K. Dobbins gets rest day, Demarcus Robinson has a groin injury
<figure>
<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZJUHuu49VkBRHaWMGQBE60Yx3Mg=/0x0:4570x3047/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71804191/1452194895.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Those absent during the media available portion</p> <p id="33mEj2"><strong>UPDATE: 4:45 p.m. ET</strong></p>
<p id="VN1aLw">The Baltimore Ravens have released their injury report for Thursday.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RRN1l0pi7ce3X4FMifJWNeaE4P4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24324574/FlLRkQOXwAAtvsG.jpg">
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KRVrkI">
<p id="PwaMa1">The media available portion of practice has concluded and here are the following observations.</p>
<h2 id="P3oe9r"><strong>Absences</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="9aDq4U">QB Lamar Jackson (knee)</li>
<li id="plG7U6"><strong>RB J.K. Dobbins</strong></li>
<li id="KnFxeF"><strong>WR Demarcus Robinson</strong></li>
<li id="XwUWct"><strong>TE Nick Boyle</strong></li>
<li id="MwKFYs">OL Trystan Colon (personal)</li>
<li id="dCpZVO">CB Marcus Peters (calf)</li>
<li id="yG67sY">DB Geno Stone (hamstring)</li>
<li id="OsmoGF">DE Calais Campbell (knee)</li>
</ul>
<p id="FCzFX0">For those keeping track, this is practice No. 11 that Jackson has missed.</p>
<p id="C5cnuU">Those in bold denote new absences after participation yesterday.</p>
<p id="Mav9Ht">It’s worth noting Robinson was at practice today, just on the sideline and was not suited up.</p>
<h2 id="VD8893"><strong>Returns</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="1gYHfH">OLB Justin Houston (rest)</li>
<li id="TRCJnI">WR DeSean Jackson (illness)</li>
<li id="k5Q9iR">OT Morgan Moses (rest)</li>
<li id="2IDjde">OLB Jason Pierre-Paul (illness)</li>
<li id="le9VJY">OG Kevin Zeitler (rest)</li>
</ul>
<p id="wkLORK">The positive news is once more, all five offensive lineman are back on the field and practicing together. Further positivity indicates none of the linemen missed yesterday’s practice due to injury, only vet days for Moses and Zeitler. Both Pierre-Paul and Jackson returned from their illnesses.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/29/23531263/ravens-practice-attendance-12-29-eight-ravens-including-j-k-dobbins-demarcus-robinson-absent-nflKyle Phoenix2022-12-29T12:38:43-05:002022-12-29T12:38:43-05:00Report: Lamar Jackson’s injury timeline updated to ‘4-6 weeks’; has ‘perfect attendance’ for treatment
<figure>
<img alt="Denver Broncos v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dQc--9QdbgGHkJcQswj0LRTkpFk=/0x112:1987x1437/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71803734/1448183610.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An update to Wednesday’s drama on Twitter</p> <p id="wseDPY">On Wednesday, Ravens Twitter was ablaze (when isn’t it?) when a clip of <em>105.7’s The Big Bad Morning Show</em> host Jeremy Conn mentioned quarterback Lamar Jackson was missing treatment on the injury he sustained against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> in Week 13.</p>
<div id="6Om6jL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On 105.7 this morning they stated that “it was leaked” he hasn’t been showing up for treatment. <a href="https://t.co/fgJwWPwudM">pic.twitter.com/fgJwWPwudM</a></p>— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) <a href="https://twitter.com/ravens4dummies/status/1608169834793017345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
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</div>
<p id="TJsKrD">Following the clip’s reaction, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked to clarify Jackson’s injury after he was not in attendance for his tenth straight practice. Harbaugh deflected comment on clarifying the injury and it also further invigorated fans frustrations.</p>
<div id="CpKz9z">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Harbaugh was asked to clarify if Lamar Jackson’s injury was a PCL sprain or strain. <br><br>“I’m just coaching the guys that are out here.” <a href="https://t.co/utSpEiaLjA">pic.twitter.com/utSpEiaLjA</a></p>— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) <a href="https://twitter.com/KylePBarber/status/1608195553292165126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
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</div>
<p id="CmyKRV">Now, a report has come out from <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/analysis/preston/bs-sp-ravens-quarterback-lamar-jackson-on-track-for-return-20221229-7tcpdztjzbgethiigvmh3geybe-story.html">The Baltimore Sun’s</a> Mike Preston giving updates on the situation.</p>
<blockquote><p id="KoTQaM">“Jackson has been at all his mandatory rehabilitation sessions. That was not the case last season when he missed several after he suffered a bone bruise in his ankle and missed the Ravens’ final four games on their way to finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs. The source said Jackson will probably undergo another MRI before he is allowed to practice.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="cTHFtC">Preston also gave an updated timeline of Jackson’s injury. Originally, multiple reports stated Jackson would return in one to three weeks. According to Preston, Jackson’s recovery window is four to six weeks “as far as team trainers and physicians are concerned, according to a league source.”</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/12/29/23531052/report-lamar-jacksons-injury-timeline-updated-to-4-6-weeks-has-perfect-attendance-for-treatmentKyle Phoenix