Stopping the run: The Steelers defense knows one of the main keys for them to be successful on Sunday night against the Ravens is to stop the run.
It can be easier said than done, though, when Derrick Henry is on the other side.
“I just think when he gets his speed, it’s hard to stop him,” said linebacker Alex Highsmith. “So, the thing for us is we’ve just got to make sure he doesn’t get the speed.
“Ultimately, when he gets downhill, he gets the speed, he uses a stiff arm. He runs through tackles.
“It starts with us up front, being physical, and getting on blocks, and making sure that he can’t get downhill in full speed.”
The last time the Steelers played the Ravens in Week 14, a 27-22 Steelers win, Henry rushed for 94 yards on 25 carries, while the Ravens had 217 yards rushing overall.
Since then the Steelers defense has stopped some of the league’s best running backs.
“Obviously, the last time we played Baltimore, we gave up too many yards to the run,” said Highsmith. “Honestly, the past few times we played them, we have.
“I feel like these past few games, we’ve definitely taken a step, and we’ve been playing more physical, getting off blocks well. I think that’s just the key to the run defense. You can have the right scheme, schematic, and plays. But ultimately, if you want to be a good run defense, you’ve got to get off blocks and make tackles.
“So, I felt like we’ve been doing that good this past couple of weeks.
“You’ve got to do your job first and then be in the right place to make the play. You can’t be doing too much, hopping out of the gaps, etc.
“Ultimately, it’s just about making blocks, making tackles, and the most physical team is going to win this game.”
Highsmith said one thing that would help the defense is if they get linebacker T.J. Watt back.
Watt, who missed the last three games because of his lung issue, was limited in practice on Wednesday.
“It’s going to be awesome for us,” said Highsmith. “He’s our captain. He’s our leader. So, to have him back is definitely going to be awesome.
“It’s been awesome having him back at practice this week. You see just the joy in him because you know he truly loves this game. So, I know it’s killing him to be out these past few weeks.
“Having him back would definitely be awesome.”