The Pittsburgh Steelers will now have to play Week 18 with an all hands on deck approach against the Baltimore Ravens following a Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The defeat now means the matchup against the Ravens is for the AFC North title and a berth to the 2025 postseason. There is only one playoff spot left in the AFC, which will come down to the result of the upcoming Steelers and Ravens contest. The Steelers controlled their own destiny entering Week 17, but the Ravens win on the road against the Green Bay Packers kept Baltimore's chances alive for the division.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers Linebacker Jack Sawyer Intercepts a Pass in Steelers Week 17 Loss to the Cleveland Browns
The game plan on defense will be to slow down Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who went off on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers, totaling 216 yards on 36 carries and 4 touchdowns.
However, the Steelers' game plan on offense was questioned after Sunday's dismal performance, where Pittsburgh totaled just six points after scoring 28 per game in during the course of their three-game winning streak entering Sunday's game against the Browns. Following the loss to the Browns, former Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher provided his thoughts on how the offense should attack the Ravens in their hopes to win and get into the 2025 postseason.
"To me, I would put a game plan together that is running the ball and play action with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith," Cowher said. "They are the two best skill players you have right now."
The Steelers will play the Ravens again without their number one wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is currently serving a two-game suspension following an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during the Steelers Week 16 victory. In Sunday's loss to the Browns, it was clear the Steelers were missing their number one wideout. Next Sunday, the Steelers will have to try and win the division again without Metcalf, who will serve the final game of the suspension handed down by the NFL.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Wide Receiver DK Metcalf Running Past Lions Defender in Week 16 Win at Lions
Steelers Entering Some Desperate Times Ahead Of Ravens Matchup
The Steelers enter the matchup next week against the Ravens in a real desperate position, as their only path to the playoffs is a win against Baltimore to win the AFC North and secure the last remaining playoff spot in the AFC.
The Steelers have faced many ups and downs this season, including fans calling for the firing of head coach Mike Tomlin at home in their 26-7 loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Tomlin desperately needs this win against Baltimore to avoid further fan frustration after the Steelers fumbled their chance to win the division Sunday against the Browns.
On Sunday, the Steelers did receive some production late from tight end Pat Freiermuth, who Cowher mentioned should be one of the focal points in their gameplan next week against the Ravens. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with Freiermuth twice late in the game as the Steelers were moving the ball and trying to come back to tie the game against the Browns.
Freiermuth ended the game with three receptions for 63 yards. The other player named in Cowher's hypothetical game plan, tight end Jonnu Smith, tallied five receptions on Sunday. However, those five receptions from Smith in the 13-6 loss to the Browns went for just 18 yards. The Steelers would surely welcome increased production from Smith, as well as Freiermuth, as they will need to find a way to overcome the Ravens without Metcalf.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Tight End Pat Freiermuth catches a pass during Pittsburgh's Week 17 loss at the Cleveland Browns
Rodgers sure seemed to have suffered with the absence of Metcalf, as he passed for just 168 yards Sunday, going 21-for-39. However, the Steelers will have to find a way to get others involved, as the NFL did not even reduce Metcalf's suspension following his appeal of it. Cowher also mentioned running the ball, which could help them improve their offensive output.
The Steelers feature a two-man backfield with running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell has rushed for 501 yards on the year with 4 touchdowns, while also being a threat in the passing game.
Warren, who profiles more as the pure running back for the Steelers, has rushed for 828 yards with six touchdowns. The Steelers will need increased production from everyone on offense to make the postseason, but a game plan focused heavily on using their running backs and tight ends Cowher mentioned would be a great starting point.
Do you agree with Cowher's hypothetical gameplan for the Steelers game against the Ravens? Let us know in the comments below!
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