Baltimore Ravens: Five Biggest Matchups vs. Steelers
By Cole Moog
Oct 20, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) makes a pass reception as Baltimore Ravens free safety Matt Elam (26) and cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) defend during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens Secondary vs Steelers Receivers
This is not a specific matchup, but it is overall the matchup Ravens fans are most worried about. It is no secret that Antonio Brown is one of the best receivers in the NFL. In Week 2. Jimmy Smith shadowed Brown for much of the game and did a very good job by limiting him to less than a hundred yards. Unfortunately, as we all know, Jimmy Smith is out for this game and possibly up to a month with a foot sprain.
Life without Jimmy Smith may be a very harsh reality check for Ravens fans come Sunday night. Lardarius Webb used be to regarded as a top 10 corner not too long ago, but he has struggled due to recent injuries. Webb does not seem to be up to full speed since his injury. This may be the Webb that Ravens fans will have to become accustomed to seeing.
Chykie Brown will make the start at nickel corner, he was a healthy scratch this past week. The Ravens will definitely need to give safety help over the top against Antonio Brown, or it will be a long day. It will be interesting to see which safety combinations/tandems work best throughout the game. I think Dean Pees will definitely keep fresh legs in at safety and will hopefully give Will Hill more snaps than he had last week.