Baltimore Ravens: Five Biggest Matchups vs. Steelers

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. (89) breaks the tackle of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Smith Sr. vs Cortez Allen

Steve Smith had a very nice game against the Steelers in his first rivalry experience. He totaled six catches on 10 targets for 71 yards. Smith was fantastic on third down against the Steelers, as he has been the whole year. He probably will receive even more targets with Owen Daniels either out or on the mend from his knee surgery last Friday.

Cortez Allen has stepped up as the Steelers number one corner as Ike Taylor has aged and is now 34 years old. Cornerback was seen by many as the Steelers’ biggest need in the 2014 NFL Draft, but they waited until the fifth round to select one. It definitely appears that the Ravens and the Steelers will be competing for a cornerback in the 2105 draft, because it looks like both teams biggest need right now.

Steve Smith will be relied heavily upon on third down situations, and fortunately that is where he thrives. Cortez Allen is a young corner, and Steve Smith definitely has some old man veteran moves that will aid him on third down. The Ravens’ passing game struggled last week against the Bengals; expect Flacco to look for Smith early to get some early momentum.