January 11, 2025 1:56 am ET
Fans of the Black and Gold are in for a treat with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens Wild-Card matchup just around the corner. In order for the Steel City to win their first playoff game in almost 3,000 days, the Steelers should follow these 5 offensive keys to victory.
Utilize Justin Fields package often:
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 13: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 32-13, at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
It’s no secret that the offense has become truly one-dimensional in the second half of the season. To alleviate these concerns in the playoffs, turning to the Justin Fields package early and often could give the Steelers’ offense a spark—keeping the Ravens’ defense on their toes.
Bring back Russell Wilson’s ‘moon ball’:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
One thing missing from the Steelers’ passing attack as of late is the deep threat from Russell Wilson’s “moon ball.” Giving Wilson the opportunity to toss the ball deep early in the contest will keep the Ravens’ defense from teeing off on the Steelers’ offensive line with cover-zero blitzes and force Baltimore’s safeties to play further off the line of scrimmage.
Use Pat Freiermuth as the offense’s main weapon:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Pat Freiermuth has come into form late for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many fans had hoped the Steelers’ tight end would have his breakout year in 2024, and Freiermuth showed glimpses of greatness in Week 18. The Steelers’ offense should focus on getting “Muth” the football in short, medium, and deep yardage situations—especially in the red zone.
If George Pickens or Mike Williams is one-on-one, send them a jump ball:
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) makes a catch against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Contrary to the potential beliefs of the Steelers’ coaching staff, WR Mike Williams continues to be used sparingly in favor of WR Van Jefferson. WR George Pickens, as well as Williams, has excellent body control, vision, catch radius, and size to come down with a variety of 50/50 balls. Both of these players should be Wilson’s most targeted receivers when facing one-on-one man coverage—not Jefferson.
Don’t shy away from screen passes:
Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Screen passes could easily become the Steelers’ best friend on offense heading into the Wild-Card matchup against the Ravens. The offensive line for the Steelers has struggled during the latter half of the season, and to alleviate these struggles, Pittsburgh could lean on forcing defenses to respect the team’s ability to set up screens for RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
