The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff hopes hang in the balance as they prepare for a pivotal AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Unfortunately for Mike Tomlin’s squad, they’ll have to navigate this must-win matchup without two key contributors: starting strong safety DeShon Elliott and dynamic rookie wide receiver George Pickens.
Elliott, the team’s leading tackler and a vital cog in their run defense, will miss his second straight game due to a lingering hamstring injury. His absence looms large against a Ravens offense that boasts the NFL’s third-ranked rushing attack, spearheaded by the dual-threat abilities of quarterback Derrick Henry.
DeShon Elliott has been the heart and soul of our defense this season. Not having him out there definitely hurts, but we have guys who are ready to step up and fill that void.
– Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin
Next Man Up Mentality
With Elliott sidelined, the Steelers will lean on a committee approach at safety, with Terrell Edmunds, Damontae Kazee, and Tre Norwood all expected to see increased snaps. While the trio brings diverse skill sets to the table, replicating Elliott’s physicality and run support prowess is a tall order.
The Steelers’ secondary depth will be further tested by the absence of George Pickens, the team’s second-round draft pick who has emerged as a dynamic downfield threat. Pickens, also hampered by a hamstring issue, has recorded 700 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns during his impressive rookie campaign.
Offensive Adjustments
Without Pickens stretching the field, offensive coordinator Matt Canada will need to get creative with his game plan. Expect an expanded role for versatile weapon Steven Sims, along with more two-tight end sets featuring Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry.
The Steelers may also lean more heavily on their ground game, with featured back Najee Harris coming off his best performance of the season in Week 15. Harris gashed the Eagles for 120 yards on 22 carries, showcasing the form that made him a Pro Bowler as a rookie.
Playoff Implications
At 6-8, the Steelers find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC playoff picture. A loss to the Ravens would all but extinguish their fading postseason hopes, while a victory keeps them alive for at least another week.
- Steelers remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Panthers, vs. Browns
- Current AFC North standings: Bengals (10-4), Ravens (9-5), Browns (6-8), Steelers (6-8)
The Steelers enter Week 16 with a 12% chance to make the playoffs, per FiveThirtyEight. A win over the Ravens would boost those odds to 25%, while a loss drops them to just 2%.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 20, 2024
As the Steelers prepare for their biggest game of the season, they’ll need to embrace a next-man-up mentality and find ways to generate explosive plays without two of their most dynamic defenders. If they can’t overcome the Ravens and keep their playoff hopes alive, an offseason of soul-searching and potential changes awaits in Pittsburgh.
