Steelers' Preston Smith Is Ready To Make Some "Exciting Historical Plays" Against The Ravens In Week 11

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their first divisional matchup of the season. They currently hold a half game lead over the Baltimore Ravens, so a win for either team in Week 11 gives them control of the AFC North. This is one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL and the players know it, whether you have been on the Steelers for years, or just arrived last week, like Preston Smith.

Smith, entering his second week with Pittsburgh, spoke with the media about his knowledge of the rivalry with the Ravens and how he is approaching the game. Not only is he prepared to do whatever the team needs him to do, but he wants to make his mark in this historical matchup.

"I'm just trying to do my part man," said Smith. "Hopefully I go out there and make some exciting historical plays that help us win a game so when they turn on the Steelers versus Ravens, it's some clips of me being played there with all of the legendary players from the Steelers."

Smith already understands the significance of this game, not just for the AFC North standings, but the bad blood between the two franchises. A historic rivalry that is known for its hard hitting and close games, something Smith wants to be a part of. He's not viewing his time in Pittsburgh just as a veteran depth piece, he wants to help the Steelers continue their winning ways.

Smith is looking for a larger role quicker than expected as Alex Highsmith left the Washington Commanders game with an ankle injury that will sideline him for a few weeks. While the staff is preparing for Nick Herbig to finally return, a big increase in snaps for Smith should be expected in Week 11.

Smith who was acquired at the trade deadline to beef up their depth at the outside linebacker position, but he is not your typical depth piece. With the Green Bay Packers in five and a half seasons, he had 162 tackles, 44 sacks, 46 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles. His debut with the Steelers was a good introduction to the outside linebacker as he finished the Week 10 game with three tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack.

Smith is hungry to show Steelers fans that he can still play at a high level and will use this big divisional matchup to prove it. While Pittsburgh will miss the presence of Highsmith against Baltimore, Herbig and Smith will still be able to pick up the workload that is left opposite of TJ Watt. 

Pittsburgh is hoping to make a statement to start their reign of terror on the division. While the offense is clicking with Russell Wilson, the defense has been inconsistent at times. Normally when Pittsburgh loses one of their top edge rushers, that inconsistency truly shows, but with a veteran like Smith able to plug into the system quickly, the coaching staff hopes that the pass rush doesn't skip a beat.

Steelers' New Edge Rusher Is Ready For The Challenge

The Steelers' defense will be tasked to contain both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in their crucial first meeting of the season with Baltimore. Henry is looking to make history once again as he inches closer to the 2,000-yard mark and Jackson is having a better season than his MVP campaign last year. 

While both are dangerous on the ground, the Steelers must make Jackson uncomfortable in the passing game and that's where Smith hopes to shine. This game could be another notch in the belt for the Steelers as they continue to build momentum towards the end of the season.

How big of an impact will Smith have against the Ravens? Are you confident in the Steelers' pass rush without Highsmith out there? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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