Baltimore Ravens: Keeping an Eye on the AFC North

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talks to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after their 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers – 2014 Record: 11-5, AFC North Champions

Once the black and gold lost to the Ravens in the playoffs, their busy offseason began. The first major change is that Baltimore will no longer see defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau on the sidelines.

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The long-time Steelers coach announced he would be parting ways with the team in January. He joined the Tennessee Titans not long after.

With his departure, the moves continued to pile on. Linebacker Jason Worilds, safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor retired.

The team released defensive end Brett Keisel, who has been a major part of their defensive line for years. He was not with the team before the start of last season before being re-signed to help bolster the defensive line.

The Steelers’ defense took major hits this offseason, but they did re-sign James Harrison to a two-year deal, though he will be given limited playing time as he begins to age. Nonetheless, their defense is growing younger, which if used correctly, could be just as dangerous as in past seasons.

The Steelers’ defense is going to look different next year, but one thing is almost a given, and that is Pittsburgh always plays tough against the Ravens.

However, without their long-time defensive coordinator, they may need to reboot, though they did promote a new coach from within the organization. Therefore, the transition should not be too difficult for them.

The big news for their offseason came with the five-year extension for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger worth $99 million. He knows how to play against the Ravens; and not that it was ever a question, but Baltimore will have at least five more years of playing against him. Their last Super Bowl appearance came in 2009, so the Steelers are certainly aiming for the next five years to make another Super Bowl run if not more.

The Steelers’ last Super Bowl appearance came in 2009, so they are certainly aiming for the next five years to make another Super Bowl run if not more.

Big Ben is a durable quarterback, but his days are numbered, and the next five years is a good target for what could be his best years. He put up a career high in passing yards and tied his season high for touchdowns last year.

Next year, the Steelers may have a more dangerous offense than defense. With the changes to their defense, the days when the Steel Curtain was feared may be a mere memory. However, lost players or bad seasons seem to have no effect on how they play against the Ravens.

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