Baltimore Ravens offensive line will decide Wildcard matchup

Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) attempts to throw the ball as he is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Remember the Ravens’ worst losses this year, if it doesn’t bring back traumatizing memories, blowouts against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans. What did these games have in common? The Baltimore Ravens offensive line got manhandled, and Joe Flacco never had a chance.

That’s why the Baltimore Ravens offensive line will be the most important group on the field Saturday against the Steelers.

There is really only one matchup that by itself can change the entire game. And that’s the Ravens’ offensive line versus the Pittsburgh Steelers front seven.

Some back story: I sat down to do a top matchups to watch article. As I sat thinking about Torrey Smith versus the Steelers’ cornerbacks, Ben Tate/Le’Veon Bell vs C.J. Mosley, etc., I realized there was really only one matchup that by itself can change the entire game. And that’s the Ravens’ offensive line versus the Pittsburgh Steelers front seven.

The book on how to beat the Ravens has been published. Keep Flacco’s first read covered and pressure him, and Flacco will fold like tissue paper. That’s easier said than done, of course, especially if Gary Kubiak has a decent game plan and the Ravens’ receivers can get open.

If the offensive line doesn’t do its job, though, all of that is moot.

Jeremy Zuttah will have the unenviable task of blocking either Cameron Heyward or Steve McLendon one-on-one more often than not. Zuttah can be pushed back by powerful tackles, so he will be a guy to watch.

On the exterior, James Harrison had the Ravens number in their 43-23 Week 9 win. Harrison does much of his damage from the right side of the defense, meaning he will go up against either James Hurst or Eugene Monroe, depending on Monroe’s health. That’s not a great matchup either way for the Ravens.

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On the other side, Jason Worilds has had a solid season with 7.5 sacks and consistent pressure in general. Rolling out to either side, where either Harrison or Worilds awaits, is not an ideal solution.

And don’t sleep on Lawrence Timmons. Inside linebacker blitzes up the middle have been an issue for the Ravens this year, and Timmons is an excellent blitzer. With a nose tackle in his face and linebackers blitzing through the A-gap, Zuttah will truly have his hands full.

All this and I have yet to even mention run blocking. This is the area where the Ravens may have somewhat of an advantage, and with the weather expected to be horrendous, that’s an important advantage to have.

The Steelers defensive line does have a size advantage against most of the Ravens’ offensive line, but the Ravens have proven at times this year that when they are playing as a unit, their zone running can be borderline unstoppable.

That had been an issue in recent weeks, with injuries to Monroe and Rick Wagner forcing some shuffling. A line of Hurst, Kelechi Osemele, Zuttah, John Urschel and Marshal Yanda did a phenomenal job late against Cleveland of opening big holes and protecting Flacco in the deep passing game. They took some time to click, but their potential was evident in that dominant fourth quarter.

In sum, the Ravens have a tough task ahead of them, but it’s one they are capable of handling. The Ravens can win the matchup in the trenches, and if they do, they should win this game.

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