The Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Baltimore Ravens is one of the largest rivalries in all of football. The two teams split their contests in 2022, with both games being decided by one possession. Who will get the better of each other in 2023 when the teams match up twice more?
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Kenny Pickett vs Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers' Addition
The Steelers have been very active in free agency, with one of their biggest signings being cornerback Patrick Peterson. After receiving three first-team All-Pros during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson played the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. His first year with Minnesota went well, but Peterson had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022.
Peterson didn't receive any awards or accolades for his 2022 campaign, but he quietly posted some solid stats while leading a below-average Minnesota defense. He started all 17 games for the Vikings, racking up five interceptions, 15 passes defended and 56 solo tackles, all second highest of his 12-year career. Pittsburgh recognized this and brought Peterson in on a two-year, $14 million deal. Peterson has never played in a Super Bowl during his 12 years, but he is planning on winning one during his time in Pittsburgh.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed CB Patrick Peterson to a 2 year $14 million deal
Peterson is currently Pittsburgh's CB1 after losing Cam Sutton to the Detroit Lions. The Steelers will almost certainly be drafting a cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft to pair with Peterson. With Pittsburgh's use of CBs being non-matchup dependent, you can expect Peterson and the rest of the cornerback room to be lining up across multiple receivers every game. This brings us to an interesting matchup between Pittsburgh's new defensive back and the 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Ravens' Addition
Baltimore has been quiet for most of free agency, in large part due to the Lamar Jackson situation. While no contract has been agreed to, it does appear that Jackson will be back with the Ravens, throwing to a new receiver as well.
.@obj IS COMING TO BALTIMORE ‼️
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2023
We have agreed in principle on a one-year contract with WR Odell Beckham Jr. pic.twitter.com/NBKFcLC7iR
Odell Beckham Jr. signed a one-year, $18 million contract with Baltimore on Sunday. In the five years that Jackson has played for the Ravens, Beckham will be the best receiver that he has had. After two close games between Pittsburgh and Baltimore last year, 2023 will feature a brand new WR and CB matchup, who will have the edge?
Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
The biggest X factor for Odell will be his health. Beckham was healthy for five of his first six seasons, surpassing 1,000 yards in all five. He was hurt in 2020 and only played seven games for the Cleveland Browns. He helped the Los Angeles Rams win a Super Bowl in 2021, but it was ultimately a down year. That was the last NFL action we have seen of him, he missed all of 2022 with an ACL injury.
It would be hard to predict if he returns to his old self with the Ravens. He has had a rocky career since 2019 and ACL injuries are always tough to fully come back from, especially for wide receivers. $18 million seems like a gamble from Baltimore but could pay dividends if Beckham gets back to form. Odell has posted a couple of videos of his progress on Twitter, this one shows him recovering pretty well from his injury.
Everybody almost ran out after this one… 🤯🤯🤯 @obj pic.twitter.com/Lya6wg7wuN
— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) March 11, 2023
The biggest X factor for Peterson will be how well he can perform given his age. Peterson will be going into his age-33 season, and cornerback is one of the hardest positions to stay on top of. The All-Pro cornerback has thrived in man-to-man coverage for most of his career but saw more reps in zone coverage last season as part of Minnesota's game plan, which he also excelled at.
Peterson appears to have the early edge in the upcoming AFC North matchups. After a great year in 2022, Peterson will look to keep his stellar career going in Pittsburgh. Not only will his play on the field help the Steelers, but his leadership will be a bonus. He will certainly help the other CBs on the roster potentially reach a new level, as well as being a mentor to the rookie cornerback Pittsburgh will draft.
Who do you think will have the better year between Patrick Peterson and Odell Beckham Jr? Let us know in the comments below.
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