Steelers Could Feast On Rival Ravens If Training Camp Concerns Continue: "Appeared To Be Struggling"

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are always seeing how they compare to the rest of the AFC North. This is apparent with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns of course, but mostly with the Baltimore Ravens. It's likely the most competitive division in the NFL, as it became the first division in NFL history to have all four teams finish with a winning record during the 2023 season. That style of play will continue into 2024, but the Steelers are looking to finish better than third this year.

Baltimore has a considerably worse roster going into the 2024 season than they did in 2023, despite some analysts saying otherwise. They notably lost Patrick Queen as he chose to flip sides of the rivalry and join the Steelers. They also lost Jadeveon Clowney on the defensive side of the ball, who nearly had double-digit sacks in 2023. Perhaps the biggest change for Baltimore though, they lost three of their five starting offensive linemen. That's a lot of change within one unit, and insider Jeff Zrebiec suggests it isn't going well.

"Starting right guard candidate Daniel Faalele appeared to be struggling with the hot and humid conditions. He was on one knee for an extended stretch of practice. The 380-pound third-year pro has had issues throughout his young career dealing with the heat. Meanwhile, veteran offensive lineman Josh Jones was forced to run separate laps after two pre-snap penalties."

In 2023, Baltimore trotted out John Simpson at left guard, Kevin Zeitler at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle. All three of those guys left in free agency. Moses and Simpson went to the Big Apple to join the New York Jets, while Zeitler went to the Motor City to be a member of the Detroit Lions.

Daniel Faalele is going into his third season in Baltimore after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He is currently slated as the second-string right tackle, but according to Zrebiec, he is a strong contender to be the team's starting right guard. He was struggling with his conditioning, but it's important to remember it was the first day of training camp. A lot of players come into camp not in the best shape, and use the first week or so to get conditioned.

Josh Jones is entering his fifth season in the league and has 24 starts so far in his career. He will be a contender for the right tackle spot, but he also has experience at right guard in the NFL. He provides versatility and depth, but has gotten off to a rocky start in Baltimore. It's not a great first impression to be new to an organization and make the same mistake twice in your first training camp practice.

Other names to watch when it comes to filling the vacancies that were left along the offensive line for Baltimore include Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees. No matter who starts, it will be hard to fill the shoes of the starters from a season ago. Especially when going against Pittsburgh's front seven.

Steelers And Ravens Rookies Will Be Compared Throughout Their Careers

Pittsburgh added to their offensive line in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Troy Fautanu, and Baltimore then selected his college teammate Roger Rosengarten with the 62nd overall pick. They were the two book ends of the Washington Huskies' offensive line in 2023, which led them to an appearance in the National Championship.

Due to the two rookie's history together, playing the same position, and playing on opposite sides of a rivalry - they will constantly be compared. Rosengarten is competing for the starting right tackle spot in Baltimore, as is Fautanu in Pittsburgh. The only difference is Fautanu was selected 42 slots earlier. Debates between the two fan bases about the rookies should get contentious, and quickly.

What do you think about the Ravens' early struggles in the trenches? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation